Football is supposed to be a game of fierce rivalries – but on Saturday night in Athens, it was all about respect.
Olympiacos supremo Evangelos Marinakis and OFI Crete owner Michael Bousis stunned fans with a warm embrace on the pitch before the Betsson Greek Cup final – showing that even in high-stakes clashes, football can still bring people together.
The surprise moment came just minutes before kick-off at the iconic Athens Olympic Stadium, as both men were spotted deep in conversation and smiling for the cameras.
🔴⚪️🏆🏆 Και κάπως έτσι τελείωσε μία όμορφη σεζόν, με το 19ο μας νταμπλ! pic.twitter.com/5BTUxrkiMN
— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) May 18, 2025
It was a feel-good scene before the fireworks began on the pitch – quite literally.
Olympiacos, who had already wrapped up the Super League title, completed the domestic double with a 2-0 win over OFI Crete. The victory caps off a huge milestone for the Piraeus giants, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
The stadium was rocking, packed to the rafters, as Olympiacos lifted their 19th Greek Cup – and their celebrations went long into the night.
Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest, has become a major figure in both Greek and British football – and his handshake with Bousis didn’t go unnoticed. It sent a powerful message about unity in a sport too often split by politics and power struggles.
It’s not the first time Greece has hosted a top-tier final in style. Last season, the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus played host to the UEFA Super Cup final between Manchester City and Sevilla – a match that drew praise for its smooth organisation and electric atmosphere.
Now, after a final with no trouble, high drama, and a touch of class, Greek football bosses will hope this is the new norm.
One thing’s for sure – Olympiacos fans will remember this campaign for a long, long time as they look forward to playing Champions League football next season.
Read – On this day 2008: The first all-English Champions League final
See more – Tottenham vs Manchester United: Who needs the trophy more?
