Olympiacos ends Season with Triumph over Thrasyvoulos

By: Peter Katsiris | April 27th, 2009

Olympiacos ended yet another title-winning season in the Super League with a 2-0 win over Thraysvoulos Fylis on Sunday. Second half goals from Matt Derbyshire and Luciano Galletti gave Ernesto Valverde’s side the win on the last day of the Super League season.

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