Aris reaches Greek Cup semifinals
Aris, reduced to 10 men late in the game, booked the Greek Cup’s remaining quarterfinal place last night with a 1-0 win over visiting Xanthi for a 1-0 aggregate score in their two-leg quarterfinal tie. The Thessaloniki soccer team’s success broke a tradition in the Greek Cup between the two sides that favored the visitor in return legs. Aris secured its semifinal spot with a spectacular close-range volley by Sanel Jahic in the 72nd minute. In the three other return-leg quarterfinals, played Wednesday, holders Larissa crashed out after losing 3-1 at home to second-division Thrasyvoulos, which advanced 4-1 on aggregate. Atromitos also advanced with a last-minute goal against OFI for a 4-3 aggregate, as did Olympiakos, whose 2-2 away draw at Iraklis sufficed for a 4-2 aggregate. In the April 2 semifinal first-leg games, Thrasyvoulos hosts Olympiakos and Atromitos travels to Aris.
