Panathinaikos missed the opportunity to take a clear lead in qualifying for the semi-finals of the Greek Cup. Rui Vitoria’s Greens, although they were clearly superior to their opponents having the most obvious plays in the match, remained at 1-1 and will play for the qualification at G. Karaiskakis stadium on February 5 with the aim of repeating last year’s triumph in the same institution, on the same field and against the same opponent…

In the first half the game was divided in terms of possession of the ball, but the Shamrock was the team that became more threatening in the attacking third of the opponent. In the 13th and 24th minutes, even though the phases were considered as not taking place due to offside, Panathinaikos fired warning shots with Schenkeveld and Maksimovic. The pressure continued and in the 33rd minute, Tete threatened with a shot from inside the area. However, Pirola put his foot down and prevented the goal, while in the 35th minute – in the longest phase of the first half – the Brazilian midfielder laid the ball for Ioannidis, who, under pressure from the Olympiacos defenders, misfired.

The second half began with a forced change for the Greens as the injured Schenkeveld was replaced by Palmer Brown. Panathinaikos was clearly enjoying better footing on the field and the goal was not long in coming. In the 51st minute, Ioannidis’ pressure at the height of the penalty area forced Paschalakis to make a wrong clearance and Djuricic, who entered the game, stole the ball and executed perfectly for 1-0.

The Greens had a great opportunity to take a two-goal lead in the 69th minute, when Pellistri, after a nice long ball from Ingason, moved quickly into the area and came out on Ortega’s back. However, Paschalakis had difficulty repelling the Uruguayan’s shot from a wide position.

Against the flow of the match and while Panathinaikos maintained absolute control, Olympiacos unexpectedly found the equalizer. In the 75th minute, Yaremchuk avoided Ingason, entered the area and shot accurately, sending the ball into Lodygin’s net for 1-1.

Despite the… coolness of the moment, the Greens immediately reacted, chasing the winning goal. And in the 83rd minute, they touched it, missing a huge opportunity. Ioannidis made a wonderful move with his back to the goal and shot with power, but Paschalakis blocked it with difficulty. The ball came to Mancini’s side, who followed the phase but was defeated by the Olympiacos’ goalkeeper in the place he attempted.

The final whistle found the two teams tied, but the Greens won the impressions. Now they will have to do their best to qualify for the next stage…

Panathinaikos: Lodygin, Kotsiras, Mladenovic, Ingason, Schenkeveld (46’ Palmer Brown), Cerin, Maksimovic, Bakasetas (79’ Nikas), Tete (68’ Pellistri), Djuricic (79’ Mancini), Ioannidis.

Olympiacos: Paschalakis, Costinha (61’ Hezze), Ortega, Pirola, Retsos, Stamenic (61’ El Kaabi), Mouzakitis, Rodinei, Martins (73’ Yaremchuk), Chiquinho (87’ Masouras), Kostoulas (87’ Velde).