Thanks to a late Federico Macheda penalty, Panathinaikos kept their unbeaten record in the 2018/2019 Super League intact, saving a last-gasp 1:1 draw at Asteras Tripolis.

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Previously, the young Greens had won all five Super League matches with several impressive performances, but a trip to Tripoli is never easy and the Athenians were facing a disappointing defeat until in-form Italian striker Macheda struck at the death to salvage an important point against a strong Asteras side.

In the opening minute of play, Asteras should have immediately made the breakthrough, but after Sokratis Dioudis made a superb save at point blank range, Martin Tonso contrived to head over the gaping net. The hosts were pressing for an opener, however as time rolled on, Panathinaikos gradually eased into proceedings and saw Macheda’s powerful attempt beaten away by home goalkeeper Georgios Athanasiadis.

Just 60 seconds after the break, the Tripoli outfit eventually grabbed their goal, as Michalis Manias stabbed into the net with Dioudis out of the picture. In the mood for more, Asteras continued piling the pressure on Panathinaikos, missing a glorious opportunity to double their money as Nikolaos Kaltsas’ goalbound attempt was deflected wide by a lunging challenge from Dimitris Kolovetsios.

Desperately searching for a leveller, Panathinaikos thought they had made it 1:1 when Anargyros Kampetsis got his head to the ball, but the post came to Asteras rescue. Nevertheless, in the final minute of play, Giorgos Kyriakopoulos was sent off for hauling Anastasios Chatziogiovannis down inside the penalty area and 27-year old Macheda cooly converted the resulting spot kick.

HIGHLIGHTS: ASTERAS TRIPOLIS - PANATHINAIKOS

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: onsports.gr