This derby is the most eagerly anticipated clash in Greek football. Panathinaikos were formed in 1908, and were originally named P.O.A (which, in Greek stood for Football Club of Athens). The badge features "the shamrock", which is a clover. It was originally brought in by Michalis Papazoglou, who would become the club's director. Panathinaikos were regarded by some as the rich man's club whereas their "eternal enemies", Olympiakos, were formed by poorer shipyard workers from Piraeus, near Athens. Olympiakos were formed from a merger between Piraeus Football Club and Piraeus Fans Club in 1925. The rivalry started as Olympiakos, proverbial new kids on the block, won six championships by 1940.
Great Clashes
The 1962 Cup Final saw the match abandoned after constant delays because of crowd trouble lead to darkness descending, and the referee had no choice but to be call the match off. The Greek FA, perhaps wisely, decided against a replay. In modern times, 2008's Greek Cup win is one remembered by Olympiakos fans in particular. They saw their side thrash Panathinaikos 4-0.
Off the Pitch
This derby has turned nasty as in the the Greek Cup final of 1962. In 2007, A Panathinaikos fan was stabbed to death in the street in an organised fight. All teams sports throughout the whole of Greece were suspended for two weeks.
Who's top dog?
Well, Olympiakos have won 37 League titles to Panathinaikos's 19. Olympiakos have also won the league title on the last five occasions. Olympiakos have won 24 Greek Cup's whereas Panathinaikos have won 16. However, Panathinaikos made it to the 1971 European Cup final and became the first and only Greek club to get there when they were beaten by the legendary Ajax side 2-0.
