In a thrilling face-off that kept the Greek football realm at the edge of its seat, Panathinaikos and PAOK drew swords in Athens, with neither side able to clinch victory.
The high-octane encounter ended in a 2:2 deadlock, painting smiles on the faces of Olympiakos aficionados, who see their lead intact atop the league’s echelon.
The heat was palpable right from the outset at the OAKA Arena, with PAOK drawing first blood in the 19th minute courtesy of a neat finish by Tomas. However, the euphoria was short-lived as Ivan Jovanovic’s brigade responded with fervor. The clock had barely hit the 32nd minute when Palacios sent the “Green” supporters into a frenzy, leveling the score at 1:1.
As the tussle spilled into the second half, Panathinaikos showcased a stronger front. Yet, it was Andrija Zivkovic who emerged as PAOK’s beacon, proving his mettle in the 58th minute with a deft strike, his sixth of the season across all fronts, reinstating the visitors’ lead.
With the scales tipped in favor of the guests from Thessaloniki, the odds seemed stacked against Panathinaikos. But fate had other plans.
In a twist of destiny, the dying embers of the match witnessed a heroic moment for the home side. Deep into injury time, Filip Mladenovic set the stage for Jere Uronen, whose adept maneuver outfoxed Kotarski, equalizing the scoreline at 2:2, sending a wave of exhilaration across the home base.
The final whistle blew with a sense of fulfillment gracing the Panathinaikos contingent, as hopes for a gripping three-way tussle for the coveted title of Greek champion continue to flicker. The night’s spectacle not only solidified the prevailing rivalry but also underscored the unpredictable essence of Greek football, promising a riveting narrative in the run to the season’s culmination.
