Greek Cup 1996-97
The Greek Cup 1996–97 was the 55th edition of The Greek Football Cup, or Greek Cup for short.
Totally 72 teams participated, 18 from Alpha Ethniki, 18 from Beta, and 36 from Gamma. It was held in 7 rounds, included final. After 8 years the phase of groups was suppressed, while the teams of Alpha Ethniki would enter in the competition in the Third Round.
Fourth Round (Round of 16) was very interesting. Olympiacos eliminated PAOK and Panathinaikos the team of Iraklis. Also, Ionikos tipped OFI with 7 goals. For third time in the 4 last years AEK Athens and Panathinaikos were pondered over in the Final, held in Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium and not in the Athens Olympic Stadium, the home of Panathinaikos. AEK Athens won in the penalty shootout.
The loss of Cup for Panathinaikos, in combination with their mediocre course in the championship, meant the unique time at the last 25 years that the club did not participate in any European competition.
First legs were held on November 27–28, 1996, while second legs on December 11–12.
First legs were held on February 12, 1997. Second legs on 26th.
The 55th Greek Cup Final was played at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
MATCH OFFICIALS
MATCH RULES
...
Wikipedia