Giannina - Asteras Tripolis
Greece - Super League, Relegation Round,
Round 7
Pas Iannina scored a magical brace in a heated match against Ionikos in Nice (1-0), essentially securing his team's stay in the league. Pas Iannina responded to the home team's pressure in the first half and managed to avoid conceding two goals (at 15' and 42').
Pas Iannina was lucky to score his first goal of the year in the 64th minute, after Moreira took the rebound from the goalkeeper's save on Pelios' shot. Tzimas missed a great opportunity a minute later to give him a double head start. In the final moments, Pas Iannina had a disallowed goal (at 84'), but also saved the equalizer on several occasions (at 67', 75', and 87', and with a crossbar save at 90+4'). With this second consecutive three-pointer, his team reached 30 points and typically needs only one more to mathematically secure their stay. They might not even need that if they don't collect 6 points against Ionikos or if Ionikos fails to equal Lamia. In their final match, they will be hosted by Levadeiakos.
Match news: Starting goalkeeper Tsintondas left injured at halftime during the previous game and will miss tonight's match due to a contusion. Athanasios or Soulis will replace him. Midshipman Karahalios returns to the squad after 2.5 months, but most likely he won't be used. On the contrary, forward Conte is likely to get playing time, after playing for a few minutes against Ionikos. Bilbao (midfielder), Kiakos (midfielder), and Leo (forward) are out for various reasons. Asteras Tripoli drew 0-0 at home with Lamia in their previous match, earning their second consecutive draw but also remaining winless for the fourth consecutive matchday. Even so, they took a step towards securing their stay, as they are not in danger and typically only need one point. Otherwise, either Ionikos and Levadeiakos don't get 6 points or if one of them does, Lamia must not collect more than 3 points. In the previous match, Asteras Tripoli had the initiative, but failed to create clear opportunities in the first half. In the second half, they threatened on three occasions (at 56', 65', and 78'), while the only time they were close to scoring, the goalkeeper Tsiftsis saved their shot with the help of the crossbar (at 71'). This is their last chance to celebrate a double in this year's championship, as so far, in 15 outings, they have had 6 draws and 9 losses. They will finish the championship in Tripoli against Atromitos.
Match news: There was only one change in the starting lineup in the second match of the official coach Douvikas on the bench in relation to his debut, with Ruben Garcia replacing Carmona at right back. Tsiftsis, Carmona (back), Dzukanovic (stopper), Gardavski (midfielder), Valiente (midfielder), and Benito (forward) will be out. The experienced Iglesias and Munafo will be leading the midfielders. Both teams are equal at 30 points and have formally secured their stay. Mathematically, they need only one point, and a draw won't spoil anyone.