Panthinaikos widen gap as Olympiakos slip

(GSM) – Panthinaikos opened up a six-point league in the Greek Super League on Sunday with a 3-0 win at Atromitos and Olympiakos’ 0-0 home draw with Xanthi.

Dimitris Salpingidis opened the scoring for Panathinaikos in the 18th minute when his shot beat Atromitos goalkeeper Chrysostomos Michialidis, but the match was still in doubt until the 73rd minute.

At that point, Atromitos defender Marcelo Oliveira conceded a penalty and was sent off for his second booking, allowing Djibril Cissé to convert his 22nd goal of the season from the spot.

Sebastián Leto’s goal late on sealed the win for Panathinaikos.

Olympiakos had a chance to keep Panathinaikos’ lead at just four points, but they were held to a disappointing stalemate by relegation candidates Xanthi.

PAOK’s title ambitions also took a hit as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Larissa.

Daniel Cousin put Larissa in front in the 16th minute, and they held that lead until eight minutes from time when Pablo Contreras equalized for the visitors.

PAOK, though, were denied a point late on when Estonian substitute Sander Puri beat Kostas Chalkias in added time.