1985–86 Greek Cup

The Greek Cup 1985-86 was the 44th edition of The Greek Football Cup, or Greek Cup for short.

Tournament details

Totally 76 teams participated, 16 from Alpha Ethniki, 20 from Beta, and 40 from Gamma. It was held in 7 rounds, included final. An Additional Round was held between First and Second, with 6 matches, in order that the teams would continue to be 32.

It was an interesting edition, with the eternal enemies (Panathinaikos and Olympiacos) to contest the Final after 11 years. Olympiacos had eliminated "big three of Thessaloniki" (PAOK, Aris and Iraklis), while Panathinaikos only one Alpha Ethniki team, AEK Athens, in semi-finals. In the Final, that was held in Athens Olympic Stadium, common home of all three teams of former P.O.K. that year, Panathinaikos was imposed with impressive 4–0 against their opponent, completing one successful season with the win of The Double.

There were nevertheless many unusual events. Cup holders, Larissa, were eliminated by Panserraikos in the First Round. Also, Panionios eliminated by Naousa. PAOK complicated a lot to qualify against Anagennisi Giannitsa, with impressive score 16–15 in penalty shootout, when with pointless shot there were in total 36 implementations from both teams in the process. Finally, it was memorable the fact that Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) allocated the 1/5 of crude income of the Final in favour of the aims of UNICEF.

First round

Additional Round

Second round

Third round

Quarter-finals

First legs were played on March 12, 1986 and second legs on April 9.

Semi-finals

First legs were played on May 11, 1986. Second on 19th.

Final

The 44th Greek Cup Final was played at the Athens Olympic Stadium "Spyridon Louis".

References

• Greek Cup 1985-86 at RSSSF