Olympiacos Seize Control of Title Race in Fiery OPAP Arena Showdown | OneFootball

Aek vs Olympiacos - Giorgos Matthaios/EUROKINISSI

Olympiacos took a major step towards reclaiming the Greek Super League title on Sunday night, as a dramatic 90th-minute goal from Chiquinho secured a 1-0 win away to AEK at OPAP Arena. The result extends Olympiacos’s lead to five points at the top of the table, with just one game remaining before the playoffs.

For José Luis Mendilibar’s men, it was a victory that encapsulated the resilience and discipline they have developed under the Spanish coach. On a night where football often took a backseat to physical duels, Olympiacos held firm in the face of AEK’s aggression and found a moment of quality when it mattered most.

A Bruising Battle in Athens

In a match defined more by intensity than fluidity, neither side was able to establish sustained control. AEK, still reeling from their humiliating 6-0 defeat in midweek’s Greek Cup semi-final first leg, adopted a conservative approach. They set up with a back three and committed to a more physical game, attempting to disrupt Olympiacos’s rhythm.

The visitors, however, met that challenge head-on. Santiago Hezze was once again instrumental in midfield, breaking up attacks with his relentless work rate. The Argentine’s ability to anticipate danger and recover possession ensured that AEK were kept at arm’s length, with clear-cut chances at a premium for both sides.

Yet, the intensity came at a cost. Olympiacos lost key midfielder Dani García to a hamstring injury in the first half, while centre-back Lorenzo Pirola also suffered a rib contusion after a bruising aerial challenge.

A Moment of Brilliance Breaks the Deadlock

With the match seemingly headed towards a goalless draw, Olympiacos found a decisive moment in the dying minutes. David Carmo, a towering presence in defense all night, played an exquisite long ball over the top to Bruno Onyemaechi, who had surged forward from left-back. The Nigerian, showing composure under pressure, delivered a perfectly weighted cut-back into the box.

Enter Chiquinho.

The Portuguese playmaker, making his return from injury, showed remarkable calmness inside the penalty area, feinting past his marker before slotting the ball into the bottom corner. The OPAP Arena fell silent, save for the jubilation from the Olympiacos contingent.

This was a win that carried weight far beyond the three points. Not only did Olympiacos assert their psychological dominance over AEK—beating them twice in the span of a week—but they also showcased a level of defensive solidity that has become their hallmark under Mendilibar.

AEK, previously unbeaten at home this season, were suffocated by Olympiacos’s defensive discipline. Carmo, in particular, was immense at the back, making crucial interventions and showcasing his range of passing with the assist for the winning goal. His partnership with Pirola(along with his substitute Biancone) and the returning Bruno Onyemaechi provided the foundation for another clean sheet.

What’s Next?

The win places Olympiacos in a commanding position heading into the Super League playoffs, but the immediate focus will now shift to Europe. A daunting trip to Norway awaits, where they will face Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. The challenge of playing on artificial turf in Arctic conditions presents a unique test, but with momentum firmly on their side, Olympiacos will travel with confidence.

As for AEK, the psychological wounds from this past week will take time to heal. The Cup humiliation was one thing—this defeat, at home, in the league title race, might be even more damaging.

MVP & Key Players

Olympiacos have made their statement. Now, with Europe on the horizon, they will look to make an even bigger one.