AEK Athens on Verge of Super League Title After Goalless Draw at Panathinaikos

Key facts

• AEK drew 0-0 with Panathinaikos, maintaining a six-point lead in the play-off table.
• AEK has 67 points, while PAOK and Olympiakos are tied at 61 points.
• Panathinaikos will finish fourth with 51 points, 16 points behind the leaders.
• PAOK defeated Olympiakos 3-1, with Alexander Jeremejeff scoring twice.
• AEK played with a numerical advantage from the 18th minute after Javi Hernandez's red card.
• Alban Lafont made crucial saves to keep a clean sheet for Panathinaikos.
• OFI's Cup win renders the 5-8 playoffs a formality, with Levadiakos likely finishing fifth.
• The relegation battle intensifies with four rounds left; Larissa sits bottom with 25 points.

AEK Inches Closer to Title Despite Stalemate

AEK Athens moved to within four points of securing the Super League title after a goalless draw away to Panathinaikos on Sunday. The result, combined with PAOK's victory over Olympiakos, opened a six-point gap at the top of the play-off table, leaving AEK on 67 points. The Yellows dominated possession but could not breach Panathinaikos's defense, thanks largely to goalkeeper Alban Lafont's heroics. AEK's numerical advantage from the 18th minute, following Javi Hernandez's straight red card, failed to translate into goals. The visitors pressed but lacked precision in the final third, settling for a point that keeps their destiny firmly in their own hands.

PAOK's Win Tightens Race for Second

PAOK kept their slim title hopes alive with a 3-1 home victory over Olympiakos, fueled by a brace from Alexander Jeremejeff. The Swedish striker opened the scoring before Ayoub El Kaabi equalized for the Reds. Andrija Zivkovic restored PAOK's lead, and Jeremejeff sealed the win in the second half. The result lifted PAOK to 61 points, level with Olympiakos, who missed the chance to close the gap on AEK. With four rounds remaining, the battle for second place and potential European qualification remains wide open.

Panathinaikos's Resilience and Lafont's Impact

Panathinaikos, despite being reduced to ten men early, held firm against the league leaders. Goalkeeper Alban Lafont was instrumental, making several key saves to preserve a clean sheet. The Greens, who will finish fourth with 51 points, have shown defensive solidity under pressure. Javi Hernandez's red card for a reckless challenge left his teammates to defend deep, but they managed to frustrate AEK's attack. Panathinaikos's performance, though lacking offensive threat, demonstrated their ability to disrupt the title favorites.

Relegation Battle Heats Up in Play-Outs

The fight to avoid relegation intensified as four teams are now embroiled in the drop zone. A dramatic 99th-minute penalty by Nikos Karelis earned Panserraikos a 1-1 draw against bottom-placed Larissa, keeping their survival hopes alive. Asteras Tripolis defeated Atromitos 4-2 at home, while Kifissia edged Panetolikos 1-0 away. With four rounds left, Atromitos leads the relegation group with 40 points, followed by Kifissia (34), Panetolikos (31), Panserraikos and Asteras (both 28), and Larissa (25). The bottom two teams will be relegated, making every point crucial.

Play-Offs and Cup Implications

OFI's triumph in the Greek Cup has rendered the 5-8 playoffs a mere formality, as the winner of that group no longer secures a European spot. Levadiakos, after thrashing Volos 5-2, appears poised to claim fifth place, their highest ever finish. Aris spoiled OFI's party with a 2-0 win in Iraklio, but the Cup winners' focus is likely on celebrations. The play-off structure, designed to determine European qualification, has lost some of its edge due to OFI's cup success. However, the battle for second place remains fiercely contested between PAOK and Olympiakos.

What Lies Ahead for AEK and the Title Race

AEK need just four points from their remaining four matches to clinch the Super League title, a scenario that seems increasingly probable given their form and lead. Their next fixture against a mid-table opponent could be pivotal, as a win would put them on the brink of glory. PAOK and Olympiakos face a must-win situation in their upcoming games, hoping for an AEK slip. The title race, while leaning heavily in AEK's favor, still holds potential for drama. With the relegation battle also reaching a crescendo, the final rounds promise high stakes across the league.

The bottom line

• AEK Athens is four points from winning the Super League, holding a six-point lead over PAOK and Olympiakos.
• PAOK's 3-1 win over Olympiakos keeps them level on points, but AEK's draw at Panathinaikos maintained their advantage.
• Panathinaikos's goalkeeper Alban Lafont was key in securing a point despite playing with ten men for most of the match.
• The relegation battle includes four teams within six points of each other, with Larissa at the bottom.
• OFI's Cup win has diminished the significance of the 5-8 playoffs, making Levadiakos's likely fifth-place finish a highlight.
• AEK's remaining schedule favors them, but any dropped points could reopen the title race.