Lazaridis gifts Aris victory over AEK

A late goal by Nikos Lazaridis gave Aris an important win at home over AEK that gives the Thessaloniki side a credible chance of making the playoffs, even though Atromitos also won on Saturday.

Aris won 1-0, although the visitors at the Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium were far better in the first half and could have easily taken the lead had Nikos Liberopoulos been more careful in putting the finishing touch.

Eventually the hosts scored through a Lazaridis header after the AEK defense failed to clear a free-kick by Javier Umbides from the right in the 78th minute.

At Nea Smyrni Atromitos scored a hard-fought 2-1 win over Panionios courtesy of a brace by Costas Mitroglou in the 29th and 67th minute. Patrick Dimbala reduced the arrears for Panionios 10 minutes from time.

After the final whistle Panionios goalkeeper Yiannis Siderakis received a red card and is facing a suspension, while a home fan attacked Atromitos coach Giorgos Donis in the post-match press conference.

In Saturday’s other game Panetolikos scored a precious win in its fight to stay in the Super League beating Xanthi 1-0 away from home.

David Addy scored for the Agrinio club at the 40th minute of the first half, while Xanthi played the last 35 minutes of the game with 10 men due to a red card shown at Manolis Bertos.

Ekathimerini.com