Olympiacos is set to face their long-time rivals PAOK on February 23, 2025, at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus. This highly anticipated clash marks Matchday 24 of the Greek Super League and is expected to be pivotal for both teams as they vie for supremacy.
The home side, Olympiacos, enters the match on a high note, having recently thrashed Panserraikos 4-0. This convincing victory saw Ayoub El Kaabi leading the charge with two goals, one coming from the rebound of his own missed penalty, alongside strikes from Chiquinho and Gelson Martins. Currently reigning at the top of the league with 51 points from 23 games, Olympiacos is on the hunt for their first league title in three years.
On the flip side, PAOK is desperate to recover from their recent setback, having suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against FCSB, which led to their elimination from the UEFA Europa League. They had previously enjoyed impressive form domestically, smashing Lamia 7-0, yet the team is currently positioned fourth with 43 points, eight points adrift of the leaders. The upcoming match presents PAOK with what many see as their last chance to stay relevant in the title race.
The rivalry between Olympiacos and PAOK is both storied and intense, with these teams clashing on 200 previous occasions. The statistics favor Olympiacos, who have secured 101 victories compared to PAOK’s 62 wins, with 37 matches ending as draws. The most recent encounter provided thrilling action, ending with Olympiacos edging out PAOK 3-2 away from home.
Recent head-to-head match-ups have often seen goals at both ends; of the last five meetings, only one failed to witness at least three goals, showcasing the attacking talent on display from both sides. Olympiacos is currently unbeaten across 23 games, with 16 of those resulting in wins, solidifying their status as potential champions. PAOK, meanwhile, has struggled, with only one win out of their last six away fixtures.
With Olympic-coach Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side riding high and PAOK battling to recapture their form, expectations are mounting as they prepare for this fierce derby. "Olympiacos are considered as the most dangerous Greek team in Europe, especially after they won the Conference League," reported Mediterranean Sport, highlighting the urgency Olympiacos feels to maintain their momentum.
Many experts predict Olympiacos will seal the win, capitalizing on PAOK's recent defensive frailty, with betting recommendations favoring them as solid favorites. Tipsters suggest backing Olympiacos for the victory, as well as recommending no goals scored from PAOK, predicting the match could end 2-0.
This clash is not just about the points; it’s about pride and history. Both teams know what’s at stake, with Olympiacos aiming to reinforce their leading position and PAOK fighting to stay competitive. The atmosphere at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is sure to be electric, as fans gather to witness one of Greek football's fiercest battles.
Not to forget, both teams have significant upcoming matches—Olympiacos facing AEK Athens soon after this derby, which could impact their strategy and focus during the match against PAOK.
Expectations are high for this encounter, not only because of the historical rivalry but also due to the current forms of both teams. Only time will tell if Olympiacos can maintain their dominance or if PAOK can conjure up the spirit to turn their season around.