Panathinaikos wrap up Greek title
Sunday, April 11, 2010
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Goals from Djibril Cissé and Sotiris Ninis gave Panathinaikos FC a 2-0 win against Iraklis FC that secured them their 20th Greek championship title and their first in six years.
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Panathinaikos FC have secured their first Greek title in six years after clinching a 2-0 victory over Iraklis FC.
Nikos Nioplias's men began their penultimate game of the season needing only a draw to put them beyond the reach of closest pursuers Olympiacos FC, but they made an explosive start to the encounter with Djibril Cissé turning in Sebastián Leto's headed pass with just 34 seconds gone.
The French international's 23rd league effort this term put Panathinaikos firmly in charge and they increased their lead on the stroke of half-time when Sotiris Ninis volleyed in spectacularly from distance.
At the final whistle, the 65,000-strong crowd at the Olympic Stadium were able to celebrate the club's first league championship since their double-winning campaign in 2003/04 and their 20th overall. Panathinaikos can now concentrate on claiming a ninth league and cup double as they face Aris Thessaloniki FC in the Greek Cup final on 24 April.
As for unseated champions Olympiacos, they face an end-of-season play-off competition with PAOK FC, AEK Athens FC and Aris for the right to join Panathinaikos in UEFA Champions League qualifying next term.
The only question left to be resolved in the last round of action next Sunday is which team will be relegated along with Panthrakikos FC and PAS Giannina FC. Levadiakos FC currently lie third-bottom, a point behind Skoda Xanthi FC.