In what is somewhat of a tradition in Piraeus nowadays, Olympiacos looked back on another golden season domestically as the club was presented with the coveted Super League trophy – their twelfth in the last thirteen years.

But while most titles are dedicated to the people in the stands, it was apparent that this championship meant a lot for the club’s familiar heroes. The likes of Predrag Djordjevic, Darko Kovacevic, Paraskevas Antas, and Christos Patsatzoglou were all given a luxurious send-off as the club applauded the quartet for their services.

Djordjevic, like his team-mates, played his final match for the ‘Eythrolefki’ against AEK Athens in the Greek Cup Final – capping a successful stint in the port city where he captained the club to all twelve of their titles in the last thirteen seasons. He hoisted the club’s recent symbol of domestic dominance – the sleek Super League trophy – to compliment a similar title he hoisted last weekend at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium.

Kovacevic, a compatriot of Djordjevic, was forced to end his career after doctors discovered his life was in jeopardy due to a genetic condition of high blood pressure. Completing a mandatory surgery – a coronary angioplasty – just outside the Spanish metropolis of Barcelona, Kovacevic returned to Greece where he was soon greeted by loal Olympiacos fans at the club’s Red Store just outside the stadium. Nonetheless, Saturday night’s send-pff was an appropriate display of appreciation for the Serbian striker.

Another to retire is Antzas, but unlike Kovacevic, the Greek center-back has called time on his career after collecting a new lease on life in the aftermath of his father’s death. The moe was rather foreseeable after Antzas step down from international duty for the Greek National Team after his nation’s EURO 2008 campaign.

Patsatzoglou, or ‘Patsa’ as his jersey reads. Is not ready to end his career; instead, opting to test the Cypriot market with a transfer to AC Omonia Nicosia. It will be a reunion of sorts for the Greece international, as Omonia’s bench boss is none other than former Olympiacos player and manager Takis Lemonis.

A manager, however, still remains in question back in Piraeus. Ernesto Valverde and the club failed to agree upon an extension that would keep the Spaniard on as Olympiacos coach until at least the conclusion of next season – an apparent interest in a return to Spain’s La Liga being the distinguished variable repelling Valverde.

But again the island of Cyprus appears to be the answer to Olympiacos’ needs as rumors continue to link now-resigned Anorthosis Famagusta boss Temuri Ketsbaia with the Olympiacos post. It was a breakthrough that perplexed the Piraeus fan base ahead of the fiesta, and worried the Olympiacos board ahead of the fiesta.

But their response was minimal in comparison to vocal and visual outbursts seen in recent years. The most notable fan response during the fiesta came during the club’s celebration a few days after Brazilian legend ‘abandoned the club’ as he cited financial issues made it impossible for him to stay.

Back to the future, and Olympiacos has an interesting trip to Asia slated for later this week. Scheduled to leave Athens on Monday, Olympiacos is due in Vietnam for an international friendly with the Vietnamese National Team on Thursday in historic Hanoi.

A successful season with Asteras Tripolis appeared to be a decisive factor for the Greek Champions to sign Zairi, but the immense depth already instilled in the ‘Erythrolefki’ squad makes for great competition for the Moroccan ahead of next season.

Nonetheless, Zairi remains excited about the move to Piraeus, revealing he was ‘living a dream’. “Olympiacos is my biggest club since the beginning of my career,” said Zairi.

Before arriving at Asteras Tripolis during the 2008 winter transfer window, Zairi had spent most of his career in France; first with youth outfit – and eventually the professional side – at FC Gueugnon, FC Sochaux, before leaving France for Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad.

Zairi secured a move back to Europe after just one year in Saudia Arabia as Portuguese side Boavista gave Zairi a passage back to the European scene. One year later, Zairi found himself back in France, this time with Sochaux.

Now, after a brief stint in Arcadia, the hot lights of the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium are a new challenge for one of Morocco’s best kept secrets.

“I’m living a dream I’ve been waiting for a long time. The ambition of every footballer is to one day play in a big team. Olympiacos gives me this opportunity,” concluded Zairi.

Champions League exposure, and a successful season in Greece, could give Zairi another shot with the Moroccan National Team.

Two sides driven by different motives, AEK and Olympiacos entered the match with different incentives. While AEK hoped for a successful end to a disappointing season, it was instead the defending champions’ call to retain their title that was answered.

Neither regulation nor extra time could separate the sides, and a gruelling penalty shootout was the only alternative. Deduced to nine-men, Olympiacos held on to defend their title with unlikely hero, net minder Antonis Nikopolidis, striking the decisive penalty to put an end to a marathon of penalties.

First Half

Showing plenty of urgency in their attack, AEK’s hopes of ending their trophy drought were boosted on four minutes when Rafik Djebbour and Ismael Blanco combined to beat Olympiacos ‘keeper Antonis Nikopolidis. Djebbour managed to hold off his markers and earn enough time and space for himself before providing a cross for Blanco. The Argentine striker made no mistake as he headed past a flatfooted Nikopolidis.

AEK’s loyal fans had more to celebrate soon after Blanco’s breakthrough; the Argentine bagged a brace on eight minutes. A sly through pass from Pantelis Kafes sent Blanco on a rampant run inside the Olympiacos box before, and with a fierce shot from Blanco AEK went 2-0 up inside ten minutes.

Startled by AEK’s proactive start, Olympiacos attempted to regroup and claw their way back into the game. Their progress was stymied by AEK’s resilient defense; Diogo’s way-off miss the best the Super League winners could do on eleven minutes.

While Olympiacos continued to create space down the flanks, it took some time for Ernesto Valverde’s men to muster another chance of any relevance. Their hopes for a goal ahead of the interval relied on Sebastian Leto’s effort on thirty-eight minutes. The on-loan Liverpool midfielder released a swift shot on goal, but a reflex save from Sebastian Saja preserved AEK’s 2-0 lead.

Now managing to force AEK to a more defensive approach, Olympiacos’ task still came mountainous as the Piraeus giants looked small in comparison to a lopsided score-line at the interval. The AEK contingent in the stands echoed with their cheers as both sides headed for the dressing rooms, while a dull cry was heard from the Olympiacos end.

Second Half

It was rather obvious what Olympiacos had to do: penetrate the AEK defense, and finally beat Saja. Valverde took the initiative before the restart as Christos Patsatzoglou, a traditionally defensive minded midfielder, was withdrawn for the zestful Matt Derbyshire.

The on-loan Blackburn Rovers striker paired up with strike partner Diogo up front, and it didn’t take long for Olympiacos’ reinforced offense to pull through.

The Englishman had first frustrated AEK’s backline to win a corner, but Derbyshire’s impact left much more of a dent. Didier Domi’s cross into the AEK box found the head of Derbyshire, who nestled his aerial effort past a stranded Saja.

The defending Greek Champions were back in the game one minute in to the second half. Realizing a second goal was still needed, the ‘Erythrolefki’ pushed forward continuously as AEK’s defense aimed to avoid a collapse.

Sensing their rivals were nearing a rebellion, AEK searched for the same zest that brought them their two early tallies. Although Blanco was now silenced by the Olympiacos defense, compatriot Ignacio Scocco was still a threat. The Argentine’s free-kick nearly turned lethal for Olympiacos when a stretched Nikopolidis’ drop the ball just inches away from a gaping goal. A sigh of relief settled on the Olympiacos bench as the ball trickled out for a corner.

It was clear fortunes began to favour Olympiacos in the second half as the arrival of the hour mark meant a departure for club captain Sotiris Kyrgiakos. The Greece international was no longer able to continue after what appeared to be an innocent race for the loose ball. A less experienced Giorgos Alexopoulos was now trusted with the reins in the center of defense. Alongside Daniel Majstorovic, the pair were looked upon to man the barricades with Olympiacos closing in.

The resistance only lasted ten minutes, all the time Olympiacos needed to net an equalizer. A goal that had appeared to be in the near future after a shaky AEK backline struggled to keep pace, came in the form of a desperate poke from Dudu.

The former CSKA Moscow midfielder was part of a scramble pursuing the loose ball off a Fernando Belluschi. The Brazilian was given just enough space to poke his effort past Saja to send his side level on seventy minutes.

A monumental lead gas now been purged by the Piraeus outfit, and Dusan Bajevic’s men were forced to start from scratch. But while AEK still appeared to have a chance of sealing a late victory, Olympiacos missed taking the lead for the first by slim fractions.

Luciano Galletti dribbled past his markers before providing a parallel cross for Derbyshire. The U-21 England international stretched in a bid to connect with the Argentine’s looping cross, but the finish missed by a slim margin.

Embarking on an offensive endeavour of their own, a desperate AEK defense targeted the flanks in an attempt to shake-off a miserable second half with a dagger in the hearts of Olympiacos.

The sharp pain was surely conjured by Olympiacos fans when Scocco made the most of a quick throw-in from Geraldo Alves, only after escaping two defenders and converting past Nikopolidis. The Argentine was fluent with control as neither Avraam Papadopoulos nor Domi could halt Scocco’s progress towards goal which led to AEK’s third goal of the game on ninety minutes.

AEK’s go-ahead goal appeared to be too much for Kyrgiakos, and the feisty Greek defender was sent off from the sidelines. His early exit, however, only meant the Athenian side would be down one man on the bench after being substituted a half hour earlier.

Kyrgiakos’ ejection occupied most of the initial added time and so did a on-field collision involving AEK’s stingy defense and Derbyshire. The Englishman was not to be outdone by his opponents, and on ninety-six minutes proved how efficient he was.

A long ranged pass up the field appeared to be a desperate attempt for a dramatic leveller, but Diogo’s header on, and Derbyshire’s ability to free himself of Geraldo Alves proved to be the right formula when Saja was beat for the third time on the night.

It was a heart wrenching end to the match for AEK fans, while Olympiacos’ faithful followers were sent into pandemonium thanks to their side’s ability to claw back.

Extra Time

First Half

The effects of Olympiacos’ late charge to score ahead of the end of stoppage time transferred with both sides to a tense extra time. AEK seemed crippled by Derbyshire’s late heroics, and their progress was stunted by Olympiacos’ grip on the game.

The Piraeus outfit managed to block most arteries of AEK’s attack, and eventually the Greek Champions, now seemingly a shoe-in to score, beat Saja for a third time.

Predrag Djordjevic supplied a swift through pass for Galletti, and the latter made no mistake as his effort beat Saja to the far corner. Although Olympiacos had taken the lead for the first time on the night, an immature idea for a celebration – removing his shirt – saw an ecstatic Galletti directed to the dressing rooms after his second booking of the night.

The match continued to sway in AEK’s favour when Avraam Papadopoulos, usually a disciplined defender for the ‘Erythrolefki’, was forced to commit a required foul on a breaking Pantelis Kafes. To no surprise the Greece international’s actions were condemned as Avraam Papadopoulos was sent to the showers; leaving Olympiacos with nine men ahead of the extra time interval.

Second Half

It was now AEK’s turn to take advantage, while Olympiacos desperately tried to provide cover for their two absentees. Although Olympiacos’ nine-man defense now continued to stymie AEK’s progress, a lethal error by Nikopolidis gave AEK the goal they had been looking for.

Much like his earlier run, Scocco troubled the Olympiacos defense to sneak into the box. From there the Argentine look to tee up a cross for the array of yellow shirts in the box; however, all were fooled as Scocco’s delivery graced the back of the Olympiacos net past Nikopolidis.

A seemingly innocent build-up translated into a lethal finish, and AEK’s hunt for a goal now targeted a fifth tally.

The opportunity of overwhelming Olympiacos was wasted as AEK’s poor organization in offense failed to solve the Olympiacos defense. Instead, a match unravelling as Greece’s greatest ever was eased past extra-time and into a rare penalty shootout.

Penalties

With great expectations piled on the shoulders of players from both sides, it was surprising to see the first eight shooters all find the back of the net. The fifth round ended that trend as AEK’ Majstorovic was denied by the woodwork, Olympiacos’ trusted penalty taker Djordjevic failed to take advantage as Saja denied the Serbian.

Strikers’ perfection carried on for the next three rounds, only until Nikos Georgeas, with the captain’s armband for AEK, was denied by Nikopolidis. The ball was set for a nervous Paraskevas Antzas, who had refused to take the round’s previous penalty in favour of the accommodating Nikopolidis. Antzas’ nerves appeared to be for good reason as the now retired Greece international was denied by a sharp Saja.

Seven more rounds were in store before there was another blip in the penalty process. With the shootout score now at 14-14, Agustin Pelletieri attempted to send AEK ahead yet again. Though his prior strike had beaten Nikopolidis, the Greek shot-stopper now denied Pelletieri as Olympiacos were blessed with a third chance to purge the penalty shootout.

Having made the save to put his side in an optimal position, Nikopolidis was handed the opportunity to seal Olympiacos fourth domestic double in the last fifteen years. The former Greece international was cool in his build-up, and clinical with his release as Nikopolidis put an end to a crazy night in the Greek capital by beating Saja and crushing AEK hearts.

It was surely a cruel end to what was a classic Greek Cup clash. Olympiacos withstood the adversity, including an early two-goal deficit; however, AEK’s performance throughout the night left much to be admired.

The climax surely came at the right time for Olympiacos as another season is put to an end. For AEK, the mood in the locker room may be worrisome ahead of the Athenians’ stint in the Super League’s playoffs.

AEK Athens FC 4-4 Olympiacos CFP
Blanco 4′, 8′, Scocco 90′, 107′ – Derbyshire 47′, 90+6, Dudu 70′, Galletti 102′

Olympiacos CFP win 15-14 on penalties

Yellow Cards:
AEK Athens FC – Kafes 24′, Kyrgiakos 34 (90+1′), Nsaliwa 43′, Geraldo Alves 72′.
Olympiacos CFP – A. Papadopoulos 34′ (105′), Galletti 68′ (103′).

Red Cards:
AEK Athens FC – Kyrgiakos 90+1′ (sent off after double booking, but sent off while on AEK bench).
Olympiacos CFP – Galletti 103′(sent off after double booking), A. Papadopoulos 105′ (sent off double booking).

AEK Athens FC (Dusan Bajevic): Saja, Georgeas, Kyrgiakos, Majstorovic, Geraldo Alves, Nsaliwa, Kafes, Manduca (68′ Pelletieri), Scocco, Djebbour (77′ Edinho), Blanco.

Olympiacos CFP (Ernesto Valverde): Nikopolidis, Torosidis, Antzas, A. Papadopoulos, Domi, Dudu, Patsatzoglou (46′ Derbyshire, 96′ Oscar), Galletti, Leto (62′ Djordjevic), Belluschi, Diogo.

Referee: Anastasios Kakos

Venue: OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium, Athens, Greece.

All eyes will be on Athens on Saturday, when Olympiacos and AEK Athens meet at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium in the Final of the Greek Cup…

With another league title headed to Piraeus and into Olympiacos’ trophy cabinet, AEK will look to the Greek Cup in order to ruin their rivals’ bid for a domestic double. Meanwhile, the Greek Champions are adamant to exercise their dominance in Greece by securing their second consecutive domestic double.

Salvaging a Season

It was simply an unsettling season for AEK: an early exit from Europe, a lingering search for a president, and a coaching change appeared to distract the club from implicitly competing in the Super League. Nonetheless, with the year-long disappointment aside, Saturday night’s scintillating final is a prime opportunity for AEK to salvage their season.

Dusan Bajevic, bench boss at AEK Athens, voiced his side’s motives during a midweek press conference. The Serbian manager made it clear his side will be driven by a “motive”, but also mentioned the task will be difficult.

“We have a strong motive,” said the AEK coach. “There are no favourites in matches like these. We know each other very well and it’s hard to predict how the match will unfold.”

The 60-year-old tactician knows what it takes to triumph on these occasions; his resume boasting four Greek Cup titles as a manager. Having finished on the winner’s podium twice while stinting on the Olympiacos sidelines, Bajevic will be banking on his players to end a twelve-year title drought for the ‘Kitrinomavri’.

Domestic Double

Aside from presidential issues and a coaching change, Olympiacos endured a similarly painful season thanks to a poor European run. Their twelfth Super League title in thirteen years soothed any growing pains, but another Greek Cup success on Saturday would put any remaining disappointments at ease.

Currently, the future of manager Ernesto Valverde and summer transfers appear to be the main talking point for the Piraeus giants; however, a win on Saturday would boost Valverde’s future negotiations with club president Sokratis Kokkalis.

The Spaniard will aim to bag his second piece of Greek silverware in just his first season as manager at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium, but realizes his side will be in for a tough night against AEK.

“Both teams will be very cautious at first and our priority will be to avoid mistakes,” said Valverde. His words are likely to ring true after two slim victories over AEK this season are not enough to guarantee a third on Saturday.

FORM GUIDE

AEK Athens

Mar 22.     AEK Athens 3-1 Levadeiakos       (Greek Super League)
Apr 5.      Panthrakikos 1-1 AEK Athens       (Greek Super League)
Apr 8.      Panserraikos 0-0 AEK Athens       (Greek Cup)
Apr 12.      AEK Athens 0-1 Aris        (Greek Super League)
Apr 26.      Ergotelis 1-1 AEK Athens       (Greek Super League)

Olympiacos CFP

Mar 22.     Panionios 2-3 Olympiacos       (Greek Super League)
Apr 5.      Levadeiakos 1-2 Olympiacos       (Greek Super League)
Apr 9.      Olympiacos 2-1 Asteras Tripolis       (Greek Cup)
Apr 12.      Olympiacos 0-1 Larissa        (Greek Super League)
Apr 26.      Thrasyvoulos 0-2 Olympiacos       (Greek Super League)

TEAM NEWS

AEK Athens

While the fitness of center-back Sotiris Kyrgiakos has been a pressing matter for AEK throughout the season, the Greece international will assume his role in the center of defense on Saturday. On the flanks, however, Bajevic will have to improvise as Juanfran will miss the match through injury.

Probable Starting XI: Sebastian Saja – Geraldo Alves, Daniel Majstorovic, Sotiris Kyrgiakos, Nikos Georgeas – Tamandi Nsaliwa, Agustin Pelletieri, Pantelis Kafes – Ignacio Scocco, Edinho, Ismael Blanco.

Olympiacos CFP

Injury concerns stem a little deeper within the Olympiacos ranks, but the injured duo of Fernando Belluschi and Avraam Papadopoulos are expected to make full recoveries ahead of Saturday’s decisive encounter.

Probable Starting XI: Antonis Nikopolidis – Vasilis Torosidis, Paraskevas Antzas, Avraam Papadopulos, Didier Domi – Dudu, Giannis Papadopoulos – Luciano Galletti, Sebastian Leto, Fernando Belluschi – Diogo.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

AEK Athens

AEK’s offense may not be the most clinical unit in the Super League, but front man Ismael Blanco has evolved to be one of the most efficient scorers in the Super League. His efficiency will be called forth on Saturday night as AEK look to solve the best defense in the Greek top flight.

Olympiacos CFP

Luciano Galletti has been the defining edge at Olympiacos all season long, and the crafty Argentine will be looked upon to steer Olympiacos to another Greek Cup title. After finishing tied alongside Ismael Blanco for the Super League’s scoring title, Galletti will be keen to settle the scoring battle with his compatriot.

PREDICTION

These two sides have met in the Cup Final many times before; always producing memorable results for spectators. The last of these meeting came in 2006 when Olympiacos ran out 3-0 winners in Crete. This year the encounter is expected to be highly contested as both sides are keen on capturing the Greek Cup crown. AEK pose a stiff challenge for Olympiacos, but the latter appear to have enough depth to overcome their inner-city rivals.

Olympiacos CFP 2-1 AEK Athens

Surprisingly, Nikopolidis performed magnificently for Olympiacos this season, and with the confidence acquired through his strong play, Nikopolidis has signed a one-year extension with the Greek Champions.

While the club added Urko Pardo on a loan deal from Rapid Bucharest earlier this week, Nikopolidis’ one-year extension was made official by the club with an announcement on the club’s official website.

“Olympiacos CFP announces the contract renewal for one more year with goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis.”

The former Greece international will likely resume his service as the club’s number on goalkeeper next season, unless of course club president Sokratis Kokkalis adds a further piece to Piraeus’ goalkeeping puzzle.

An announcement on the club’s official website made the move official, as Pardo was made the second signing made by the club this season – only after a mutual agreement between the club and Asteras Tripolis’ Jaoud Zairi had been reported.

“Olympiacos CFP announces the completion of an agreement with Rapid Bucharest over the transfer of player Urko Rafael Pardo in the form of a loan, with the option to buy,” read the announcement.

Rumors regarding Pardo originated last summer, as the future of Antonis Nikopolidis and the release of Michalis Sifakis occupied the club. Nonetheless, the problem in goal was solved when Nikopolidis penned an extension ahead of last season, and Pavel Kovac was signed by the Greek Champions.

With their eyes wandering off to net weekend’s Greek Cup final against inner-city foes AEK Athens, Olympiacos still showed composure as the league leaders bounced back after their shock 1-0 loss to Larissa two weeks ago. Thrasyvoulos, however, collected yet another defeat and now face a dreaded return to the Beta Ethniki.

First Half

Even though the match as meaningless for both sides Olympiacos didn’t let that stop them from seeking an early goal. Sebastian was the maestro of the Greek Champions’ attack during the early exchanges; the Argentine midfielder providing a lethal presence on the flank on a number of occasions.

Sadly, however, his teammates were unable to latch onto his multiple crosses as Thrasyvoulos ‘keeper Peterson Pecanha parried on numerous occasions.

Despite their inability to find a way past the Brazilian shot-stopper, the ‘Erythrolefki’ still pushed forward in bid for a breakthrough. Vasilis Torosidis had the chance to be the hero just after the half hour mark, but the Greece international sent Luciano Galletti’s free-kick over the Thrasyvoulos goal.

Seven minutes later and Olympiacos forged ahead again, and similarly to Torosidis’ try from moments ago, Galletti saw his header follow the same path on its way out of bounds.

As the half wound down, Thrasvyoulos’ rather lifeless offense finally awoke with Domagoj Abramovic troubling Olympiacos’ backline. The Croatian striker looked to slot home the loose ball off a Thrasyvoulos corner, but his follow up effort after Konstantinos Manolas’ headed pass was light work for ‘keeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Second Half

The up-beat energy flowing from the home side continued shortly after the interval as Thrasyvoulos resumed their attack. Giannis Katsikis’ corner was flashed wide by Mehmet Hetemaj, leaving Nikopolidis untested.

Leto then stole the show as the on-loan Liverpool midfielder reenergized Olympiacos staggering offense. A hard shot from the Argentine was met by Pecanha, but the visitors now began to dictate the match.

Giannis Papadopoulos was the next to have an opportunity; however, the Greek starlet – who is known for his whizzing efforts – fired just over the crossbar.

Matt Derbyshire, however, didn’t lack the accuracy when he strode into the Thrasyvoulos’ box on sixty-five minutes. The English forward repelled his markers and with a driven effort smashed the ball past Pecanha to finally break the stalemate.

It took only nine more minutes for Valverde’s men to return to the offensive, and find themselves in the clear for a second goal. Galletti sped into the box before shuffling a clever move to force Pecanha into giving up a penalty. The Argentine stepped up to the spot, and converted with a vengeance.

With the match surely put away, Olympiacos still searched for a third tally as Derbyshire looked to extend his scoring record. The U-21 England international showed great composure to work his way around defenders, but the result was not as attractive as it traveled over the bar.

It was a win well earned for Olympiacos, and should give the Piraeus giants plenty of confidence heading into next weekend’s Greek Cup clash with AEK Athens. Thrasyvoulos now face a return to the Beta Ethniki, where the Fyli based side will look to again claim promotion to the Super League.

Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC 0-2 Olympiacos CFP
Derbyshire 65′, Galletti (pen.) 74′

Yellow Cards:
Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC – Barrientos 90′.
Olympiacos CFP – none.

Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC (Zoran Jevtovic): Pecanha, Mihos, Manolas, Vasileiou, Asimakis (66′ Serepas), Mavrogenidis (55′ Barrientos), Hetemaj, Liapakis, Tajkovic, Abramovic (79′ Panagiotakos), Katsikis.

Olympiacos CFP (Ernesto Valverde): Nikopolidis, Torosidis, Zewlakow, Antzas, Leonardo (46′ Domi), Galletti, Dudu, G. Papadopoulos, Leto (61′ Djordjevic), Diogo (61′ Derbyshire), Oscar.

Referee: Giorgos Stathopoulos

Venue: Fyli Stadium, Fyli, Greece

The reports indicate Olympiacos are interested in another central defender as Paraskevas Antzas is expected to retire at season’s end. Materazzi appears to be the number-one choice for the Greek Champions, while supporters salivate over the possibility of the controversial World Cup Winner arriving in Piraeus in the summer.

While his legacy holds more controversy due to his involvement in the “head butt heard ‘round the world”, Materazzi would form a solid partnership with Avraam Papadopulos.

Holding just a two-point lead over Aris for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Super League, Larissa put on a valiant performance to assure they remained in control of their European destiny.

Ernesto Valverde continued to experiment with his Olympiacos outfit, as the Spaniard selected youngster Giorgos Niklitsioitis to the starting eleven, as well as Kyriakos Papadopoulos. With his first-ever Greek title already booked, it was clear Olympiacos was in search of a stress-free route to the Super League finish line.

The lack of regulars in the home side’s starting mould appeared to be an issue through the first ten minutes as neither side managed to explore offensively. When the brief lull was put to an end, it was Olympiacos who emerged as the contingent in control. The youthful Niklitsiotis fired a shot from just outside the Larissa box, but Stefanos Kotsolis was left untested.

Not too long later a former member of Olympiacos, Stelios Giannakopoulos, looked to leave his mark on his first return to Karaiskaki since leaving Piraeus for the Premier League’s Bolton Wanderers six years ago.

The former Greece international capitalised on an error by Giorgos Galitsios to stroll free alone against Pavel Kovac, but the Slovakian ‘keeper in goal for Olympiacos was saved when Giannakopoulos fired wide.

As the introductory half neared the interval, Olympiacos began to dictate the tempo while holding Larissa in their own end. Again it was Niklitsiotis looking to solve Kotsolis, but again the ball travelled wide of the Larissa goal.

Execution seemed to be lacking as halftime eased its way in Piraeus.Neither side was able to provide a convincing performance in offense, and a lack of accuracy in front of goal kept the score-line unchanged.

Olympiacos looked to change that soon after the restart as Michal Zewlakow connected with a free-kick from Predrag Djordjevic. The Polish defender narrowly made the most of the set-piece, but his header was blocked a sharp Kotsolis.

Less than five minutes later, Larissa took their charge deep into the Olympiacos box as another Polish international led Larissa’s attack. Maciej Zurawski stepped inside the Olympiacos box and with a few inventive moves freed up space to warrant an effort on goal. The Polish sniper found the mark with a slick shot into the far bottom corner past Kovac.

Larissa continued the trend of offensive pressure just before the hour mark as Giorgos Fotakis rattled the post on fifty-nine minutes. Two former members of Olympiacos, in Stelios Venetidis and Giannakopoulos combined with a parallel pass falling for the latter before the former Hull City midfielder found Fotakis teeing up a shot – its direction, however, couldn’t weave around the home side’s goal frame.

With their eyes on the scoreboard in Piraeus, and in Athens, Larissa began to congest the match with a resilient defensive effort; thus resulting in a slow end to the match.

Olympiacos, however, managed one more effort through Giannis Papadopoulos. The youthful Greek midfielder gave the crowd a glimpse of his skill with a hard shot towards Kotsolis’ goal but it sailed fractions over the crossbar.

The final whistle confirmed Larissa remained frontrunners to lock up the final playoff spot, all the while Marinos Ouzounidis’ men sealed their first away win over Olympiacos in twenty-six years.

Olympiacos CFP 0-1 Larissa FC
Zurawski 54′

Yellow Cards:
Olympiacos CFP – none.
Larissa FC – Fotakis 80′, Kotsolis 86′, Inglesias 88′, Para 90′.

Olympiacos CFP (Ernesto Valverde): Kovac, Leonardo, Galitsios (59′ Pantos), Djordjevic, Zewlakow, Mendrinos (59′ Diogo), Dudu, Derbyshire, Nilitsiotis (52′ Galletti), G. Papadopoulos, K. Papadopoulos.

Larissa FC (Marinos Ouzounidis): Kotsolia, Venetidis, Giannakopoulos (67′ Para), Sarmiento, Fotakis (85′ Ilic), Aarab, Metin (90+ Katsiaros), Inglesias, Ferrari, Weber, Zurawski.

Referee: Ilias Spathas (Piraeus)

Venue: Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece.

Patrick Dimbala got Levadeiakos off to a promising start in Levadeia, but a quick response from Matt Derbyshire set Olympiacos up for an inevitable comeback as Ernesto Valverde’s added another three points to their tally.

First Half

With Olympiacos seeing their early title triumph as a chance to hand the traditional “reserves” a chance to shine, it was Levadeiakos surging offensively as Brazilian playmaker Leonardo became the orchestrator of the Levadeiakos attack.

Although Leonardo was a crucial part of Levadeiakos offensive endeavours, his compatriot and namesake, Olympiacos’ Leonardo was charged with giving away a goal just past the quarter-hour mark.

The former Portuguesa defender committed a tragic mistake near the Olympiacos box, allowing Stefano Napoleoni to break towards the Olympiacos goal before firing a shot towards Pavel Kovac. Leonardo then aimed to make-up for his mistake by blocking Napoleoni’s from the goal-line, but an alert Patrick Dimbala was present to give Levadeiakos a surprising lead.

It took only eleven minutes for Olympiacos to respond through their improving English ace Matt Derbyshire. Oscar Gonzalez provided a cross into the box, which provided plenty of confusion for Levadeiakos’ back-line. Derbyshire was in attendance to poke the ball past Srdjan Blazic and level the score ahead of the half-hour mark.

Three minutes later Olympiacos continued to strive for yet another goal, but Serbastian Leto was unable to hit the target after Predrag Djordjevic, who announced his retirement earlier in the week, provided the Argentine with a slick through pass.

Second Half

With half-time scores across Greece leaving Levadeiakos in a worried state about their future in the Greek top flight, a 1-1 scoreboard didn’t hold promise for a side looking to stave off relegation battlers OFI Crete and Panserraikos.

With little urgency to either offense, both Levadeiakos and Olympiacos played out an opening fifteen minutes to the second frame. After both sides managed to unclog a congested midfield, it was Levadeiakos who looked to regain their lead through yet another fluky defensive performance.

Dimbala attempted to find a team-mate in front of goal with a chip into the heart of the Olympiacos box, but a deflection off Olympiacos’ Kyriakos Papadopoulos nearly found Kostas Kiassos. The Greek midfielder nearly pulled off a clinical touch but his timing lacked and a bouncing ball made its way past Kovac and scraped the post before Olympiacos’ Slovakian shot-stopper recovered.

Olympiacos’ rather quiet start to the second half was forgotten when Luciano Galletti marked his entrance with style. Introduced to replace Predrag Djordevic, Galletti proved again his value within the Olympiacos ranks as he thumped free-kick to give Olympiacos a lead with less than fifteen minutes left in the match.

Levadeiakos looked to respond soon after as Fernando Machado breached the Olympiacos defense but fired wide; nonetheless, an offside call on the Uruguayan undermined Levadeiakos’ last chance to bag an equalizer.

Levadeiakos FC 1-2 Olympiacos CFP
Dimbala – Derbyshire, Galletti

Yellow Cards:
Levadeiakos FC – Machado.
Olympiacos CFP – Galitsios.

Levadeiakos FC (Momcilo Vukotic): Blazic, Moulopoulos (85′ Lehtinen), Machado, Kapsis, Koltzos, Leonardo, Andralas (53′ Katsikogiannis), Kiassos (65′ Piechniak), Zisopoulos, Napoleoni, Dimbala.

Olympiacos CFP (Ernesto Valverde): Kovac, Leonardo, Galitsios, Oscar, Djordjevic (72′ Galletti), Antzas, Mendrinos, Leto (61′ Soleidis), Derbyshire (69′ Diogo), G. Papadopoulos, K. Papadopoulos.

Referee: Kostas Papastamatis (Athens)

Venue: Levadeia Stadium, Levadeia, Greece.