Greece the Cup

The Cup finals opposed the archenemies, both eager to salvage the season and win a trophy. Panathinaikos vs Olympiakos – always promising high drama. It was not not equal to the epic events in the championship, but it was dramatic final. Panathinaikos took the lead from a penalty in the first half, but early in the second half Olympiakos equalized also from a penalty. There was no winner at the end of regular time. In the extra-time the roles reversed – now Olympiakos came ahead, scoring yet another penalty, but Panathinaikos equalized – the only goal scored from actual playing situation in this final. No winner at the end of extra-time and penalty shoot-out was inevitable. Olympiakos missed 2 penalties and Panathinaikos won 4-3.
Complete humiliation of Olympiakos – miserable season and at the end losing the Cup to the archenemy. Chancy loss, but still a loss… Frankly, not a great squad of Olympiakos this year.
Lucky Panathinaikos, but they won the Cup and thus somewhat remedied otherwise poor season. No matter how, it was always great to beat Olympiakos, but the Cup victory would not really mask underperforming – this was arguably the strongest squad in Greece, full of national team players among which Saravakos was the current biggest star. Add the strong and stable Yugoslavian Zajec and well-established in Greece for years Rocha – even with the imports Panathinaikos had the edge over all other teams. All that and only a Cup won with difficulty and good luck…