AEK success ensures thrilling finale

AEK Athens FC set up a thrilling climax to the Super League season by overwhelming Olympiacos CFP 4-0 to leave just two points separating the top three sides with three games to play.

Early double
AEK had not beaten the perennial Greek champions at home for nine years but blew that record away thanks to a three-goal first-half display. The breakthrough came on ten minutes when Edinho's cross was headed in by Ismael Blanco. Provider turned scorer two minutes later with a close-range shot after a clever through ball by Rivaldo. And the game was as good as over 20 minutes later when Nikolaos Liberopoulos made it 3-0 with a tremendous right-footed shot from 25 metres.

Penalty spurned
Olympiacos had the chance to reduce arrears when they were awarded a penalty shortly after half-time but their captain Predrag Djordjević failed to hit the target. Former Olympiacos midfielder Pantelis Kafes completed the scoring with a close-range effort on 62 minutes following another Rivaldo assist. Despite their defeat, the champions remain at the top of the standings with 61 points but Panathinaikos FC – who came from a goal down to beat Panionios GSS 2-1 – are just one point behind and AEK two with the title race seemingly destined to go to the final round of matches.