It was a historic evening for Greek football on Thursday as Panathinaikos, PAOK and AEK Athens all secured their places in the League Phase of European competition, while Cypriot side Omonia also celebrated a dramatic qualification.
Panathinaikos hold firm in Turkey
Panathinaikos earned a “golden” 0–0 draw away to Samsunspor in Turkey, sealing a deserved qualification for the UEFA Europa League following their 2–1 victory in Athens.
The Greens created the best chances of the match, with Fotis Ioannidis and Tete going close, before celebrating at the final whistle. The match also marked Ioannidis’ last appearance before his transfer to Sporting Lisbon.
PAOK crush Rijeka at Toumba
At a packed Toumba Stadium, PAOK produced a scintillating performance to dismantle Croatia’s Rijeka 5–0. The emphatic result overturned a 1–0 first-leg defeat and booked the Thessaloniki club a place in the Europa League League Phase for the second consecutive season.
AEK overcome Anderlecht
AEK Athens also rose to the occasion, defeating Belgian giants Anderlecht 2–0 at home thanks to goals from Koita and Kutesa. Combined with their 1–1 draw in Brussels, the victory secured a 3–1 aggregate triumph and a spot in the League Phase of the UEFA Europa League.
Omonia make history
In Cyprus, Omonia endured a nerve-racking evening against Austria’s Wolfsberger, winning 1–0 in normal time to force extra time and penalties. The Nicosia club prevailed 5–4 in the shootout, clinching qualification to the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League for the fifth time in their history.
A landmark for Greek football
The triple success of Panathinaikos, PAOK and AEK marks one of Greek football’s most successful European nights in recent years. All three will discover their European opponents in Friday’s draws, while Omonia’s qualification adds further pride for Cypriot football.
