Panathinaikos did their duty at OAKA and returned to winning ways. Rui Vitória’s Greens prevailed 2-1 over Volos in the 23rd round of the Stoiximan Super League, putting behind them the three consecutive defeats they had recently suffered. Now, their focus is on the crucial second leg against Víkingur in the Conference League play-offs next Thursday (20/2).
The Greens entered the match with intensity, determination, and a clear intention to score early. After threatening in the 5th minute with Čerin and in the 16th with Tete, they found the net in the 20th minute. Following a corner kick by Čerin and a clearance, Świderski, with his back to the goal, headed the ball back into the area, and Ingason reacted quickest, stretching to score his first goal for Panathinaikos (1-0).
Panathinaikos kept up the pressure, creating more chances—one in the 23rd minute with Mladenović and another in the 35th with Djuricic. Eventually, they doubled their lead early in the second half. After a well-structured attacking move, the ball reached Čerin, who unleashed a stunning volley from 25 meters, sending it perfectly into the right corner of the net (2-0).
However, a rare defensive lapse from Panathinaikos allowed Volos back into the game. In the 59th minute, Gil played a through ball to Juanpi, who found himself one-on-one with Dragowski and finished clinically to make it 2-1.
The visitors’ goal caused some nervous moments for Panathinaikos, but they had a golden opportunity to restore their two-goal lead in the 63rd minute through Świderski. Volos also came close in the 67th minute, but a crucial last-ditch intervention by Kotsiras blocked Gil’s shot.
From that point on, Panathinaikos managed the game effectively, maintaining their lead without facing any significant threats from Volos.
Panathinaikos: Dragowski, Kotsiras, Mladenović, Schenkeveld, Ingason, Siopis, Čerin, Ounahi (78′ Maksimović), Tete (89′ Nikas), Djuricic (74′ Mancini), Świderski (74′ Jeremejeff).
Volos: Kovács, Kalogeropoulos, Hermannsson, Mygas, Ferrari, Prountzos (83′ Konde), Skrabb, Comba (90+3′ Katsikas), Juanpi, Lamprou (72′ Assehnoun), Gil, Koszta.
