Panathinaikos Athens vs. OFI Crete FC (28.12.2022)

In an intense and eventful match on December 28, 2022, Panathinaikos Athenians faced off against OFI Crete in a game that showcased both teams' determination and skill. The game was marred by a number of cards and critical game-changing events.

The first major incident occurred just 8 minutes into the match when OFI's Samuel Yohou received a direct red card, leaving his team with a significant disadvantage for the remainder of the encounter. Despite this early setback, OFI managed to maintain composure, although Nikolaos Marinakis was booked with a yellow card at the 38-minute mark, adding pressure to their defense.

As the second half began, OFI made their first substitution in an attempt to adjust their strategy after losing Yohou early in the game. However, it was Panathinaikos' Dimitrios Kourbelis who found himself receiving a yellow card at the 58th minute, followed immediately by a strike from OFI's E. Larsson, pulling OFI ahead with a critical goal.

Just two minutes later, Panathinaikos pivoted, enacting their first substitution by replacing the newly booked Kourbelis. OFI, not resting on their lead, found themselves facing further disciplinary actions as Apostolos Diamantis and Nouha Dicko both were cautioned with yellow cards at the 64th and 65th minutes respectively.

The 74th minute saw OFI make more strategic changes, bringing on two fresh players simultaneously, just before Panathinaikos made their second substitution in an attempt to renew their attack. The game intensified with Panathinaikos making two more substitutions at the 83rd minute, including Juan Carlos and G. Kotsiras, while Adam Gnezda Čerin picked up a yellow card.

OFI's discipline issues continued as Fiorin Durmishaj received a yellow card in the late stages of the match. With time running out, OFI made their fifth and final substitution at the 89th minute with A. Dioussé coming onto the field.

Just when it seemed like OFI Crete would hold on to their slender lead, Panathinaikos' F. Ioannidis delivered a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time at the 90+7 minute, ensuring that the match ended in a tense 1-1 draw.

The game demonstrated the resilience of Panathinaikos to fight back despite the odds, and the resolve of OFI Crete to battle with one player down for much of the match. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, marking an unforgettable fixture in the season’s calendar.

Lineup Panathinaikos Athens

Lineup OFI Crete FC

Substitutes Panathinaikos Athens

Substitutes OFI Crete FC

Panathinaikos Athens

Founded in 1908, with a green shamrock in its emblem and a very illustrious history. Under the banner of Panathinaikos, which is an age-old rival of Olympiakos Piraeus, not only football, but also basketball, volleyball and water polo are played. Founded by Giorgos Kalafatis, Panathinaikos Athens plays in the 69,618-seat Olympic Stadium and was already facing extinction in the new millennium - since 2012 it has been owned a controlling stake by the fans' association, which saved the club, which plays in a white and green colour combination, from bankruptcy.

OFI Crete FC

The team was founded in 1925 and is based in Heraklion on the Mediterranean island of Crete. Although many people know it as OFI Crete F. C., the official name is OFI Football Club or simply OFI. Fans say O Ómilos, which is simply "the club". OFI is based in the stadium bearing the name of Theodoros Vardinogiannis, which has a capacity of 9,088 spectators. The club colours are black and white.

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