Football
Associated Press 8y

AEK Athens defeat Olympiakos in Greek Cup final

Midfielder Ronald Vargas set up a goal in each half for AEK Athens to beat Olympiakos 2-1 and win the Greek Cup on Tuesday, ending a tournament marred by violence and administrative disputes.

The final was played without fans at Athens' Olympic Stadium, and followed repeated match date delays.

AEK kept the Greek league champions in check, and Vargas picked out Pantalos Mantalos for a header in the 39th minute. Six minutes into the second half, he led a counter-attack that saw Rafik Djebour fire past goalkeeper Roberto.

Alejandro Dominguez got one back with a shot from distance in the 85th minute.

Cup games were cancelled by the government in March following fan violence at a semifinal. It later reversed the decision under the threat of an international ban from FIFA.

Although fans were forced to stay away, the win came as a huge relief for supporters who remained loyal to the Athens club after they collapsed financially three years ago and clawed their way back from the amateur leagues.

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