Panathinaikos edge Aris Thessaloniki 2-1 in Greek Cup knockout tie

Panathinaikos advanced in the Greek Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Aris Thessaloniki on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Athens Olympic Stadium. Fotis Ioannidis scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, settling a tense knockout contest that swung back and forth and kept the home crowd anxious until the final whistle.

The result sends Panathinaikos into the next round of the competition, while Aris Thessaloniki are left to reflect on a spirited performance that ultimately fell just short. In a cup tie of fine margins, the hosts’ greater control in the second half and their ability to turn possession into late pressure proved the difference.

Match overview

Panathinaikos began with the authority expected of the home side, pushing their full-backs high and looking to get Anastasios Bakasetas on the ball between the lines. Aris, however, were compact and dangerous on the counter, and they stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the 22nd minute through Loren Morón, who finished calmly after a quick turnover in midfield.

The goal changed the mood of the tie. Panathinaikos increased the tempo, forced a series of corners and finally drew level in the 41st minute when Bakasetas converted a penalty after a handball inside the Aris box. That equaliser arrived at the perfect moment, allowing the hosts to go into half-time with momentum rather than frustration.

The second half was more open. Aris threatened on the break, but Panathinaikos gradually pinned them deeper and deeper. The winning goal came from a familiar pattern: a wide delivery from Tete and a sharp near-post run from Ioannidis, whose header beat the goalkeeper and sparked loud celebrations around the stadium.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Ioannidis forced an early save with a low shot from the edge of the box after a neat exchange with Bakasetas.
• 22nd minute: Aris took the lead through Loren Morón, who latched onto a loose ball and finished low into the corner.
• 41st minute: Panathinaikos equalised from the penalty spot, with Bakasetas sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
• 58th minute: Aris’ goalkeeper produced a double save to deny Panathinaikos a first lead of the night.
• 78th minute: Ioannidis scored the winner with a powerful header from Tete’s cross.
• 90+3 minutes: A late Aris free-kick was cleared as Panathinaikos survived one final spell of pressure.

Tactical story

Panathinaikos set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and dominated the ball for long stretches, but they initially struggled to break down Aris’ disciplined mid-block. The visitors defended narrow, invited crosses and looked to spring forward through Morón and Manu García. That plan worked perfectly for the opening goal, but it demanded huge energy from the Aris midfield.

As the game wore on, Panathinaikos’ superior squad depth and sustained pressure began to tell. The introduction of fresh legs in wide areas stretched the Aris back line, and the hosts’ full-backs started to deliver more consistently from advanced positions. Aris remained threatening on the counter, but they dropped deeper and deeper, and the winning header came from exactly the kind of wide service Panathinaikos had been building toward.

Standout performers

Ioannidis was the obvious match-winner, leading the line with physicality and timing. Bakasetas controlled the rhythm in midfield and showed composure from the penalty spot, while Tete’s assist for the decisive goal capped a strong second-half display. For Aris, Loren Morón was a constant menace and took his goal well, while their goalkeeper kept the tie alive with several important saves.

What the result means

For Panathinaikos, the win is a morale boost and a reminder of their ability to grind out cup ties even when the performance is not entirely smooth. Greek Cup progression keeps a major trophy within reach and gives the squad another meaningful fixture in a busy season. For Aris Thessaloniki, the defeat is painful but not damaging to their broader campaign; their league form and attacking threat will give them encouragement as they turn to the next challenge.

The Greek Cup remains one of the most unpredictable competitions in the country, and this tie showed why. Panathinaikos had the quality to finish their chances, but Aris pushed them all the way and ensured the result was in doubt until the final moments.