Aris victorious, PAOK held in Greek playoffs

(GSM) – Aris got their Champions League play-off campaign off to a solid start as they defeated Olympiakos, 2-0, on Wednesday. Elsewhere, PAOK and AEK Athens played to a 0-0 draw.

The four-team play-off, which will see each side play the other home and away, will determine who claims the second Champions League berth for next season’s competition.

Aris, who began the playoff bottom with zero points to top side Olympiakos’ four, got off to a phenomenal start in the 39th minute when American striker Eddie Johnson found the back of the net.

Despite Olympiakos’ best efforts, they were unable to find their way past the Aris defense and goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis.

Johnson then bagged a second goal late on to secure the massive three points for the home side.

Meanwhile, in Athens, the sides failed to solve each other as both AEK and PAOK settled for a goalless stalemate.

Both AEK goalkeeper Diego Saja and PAOK goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias made key saves in the draw.

After the first round of matches, PAOK are slightly ahead of Olympiakos on goal difference at four points, with Aris (three points) and PAOK (two) just behind.