Loukas Vyntra scored a dramatic goal to secure Panathinaikos a hard-fought victory over Asteras Tripolis, Sunday at the Asteras Tripolis Stadium.

The fullback's winner highlighted a match that was full of tension and scrappiness, Pana generally looking the far better side regardless of their lack of gilt-edged opportunities.

Indeed the visitors started well, dominating possession as Asteras packed men behind the ball. Skipper Giorgos Karagounis appeared to be particularly full of purpose, his curler just five minutes in forcing Matias Degra into a sharp save.

Asteras were only truly dangerous on the counterattack, and Gilberto Silva's careless giveaway in midfield provided the hosts their first sight at goal, Sebastian Carrera ultimately dragging his shot wide from an acute angle.

Yet it was the home side's net that saw most of the action, as Pana peppered it with a number of efforts from distance. Sebastian Leto, Gilberto, and Kostas Katsouranis all tried their luck, but nothing proved particularly troubling for Degra.

Dimitris Salpingidis' low drive on 27 minutes asked more questions of the goalkeeper, who did well to dive across his line and save.

Despite the positive spell, there was nothing too incisive from Pana, and an isolated Djibril Cisse struggled to get a touch. The same could be said for Asteras' Daniel Cesarec, who received insufficient support in attack.

Little changed after the restart, most of the Greens' shots coming from distance, such as that of Karagounis on 54 minutes, which Degra parried behind for a corner.

Six minutes later, Gilberto was in prime position to break the deadlock, but could not get a telling touch after Katsouranis flicked a header across the face of goal.

Pana boss Nikos Nioplias eventually threw Sotiris Ninis into the fray - a decision that proved to be the turning point as the youngster dazzled with a combination of pace, trickery, and flair.

It was Ninis' endeavor that led to Pana's goal on 72 minutes, as the midfielder started the move with a jinking run down the left flank before cutting the ball to Leto. The Argentine then steered into the path of Vyntra, and the fullback's first-time effort from the edge of the area found the corner of the net.

Things would only get worse for Asteras as they were reduced to ten men following Sokratis Fytanidis' second yellow card.

Cisse came close to putting the result beyond doubt shortly after, lashing wide from close range.

However Vyntra's tally was enough in the end as the hosts never came close to an equalizer, and Pana collected a crucial three points to remain atop the Greek Super League.

Asteras Tripolis (Vangelis Vlachos) - Degra, Fytanidis, Bartolini, Marcelao, Urribarri, Cardozo (Lambropoulos 69'), Ladakis (C), Carrera (Rokas 64') (Rios 83'), Wilchez, Eder, Cesarec

Panathinaikos (Nikos Nioplias) - Tzorvas, Vyntra, Sarriegi, Kante (Ninis 64'), Spyropoulos (Marinos 43'), Gilberto, Katsouranis, Karagounis (C), Salpingidis (Bjarsmyr 89'), Leto, Cisse

Goals - Vyntra (72')

Bookings - Fytanidis (13'), Sarriegi (56'), Wilchez (67'), Cardozo (69'), Fytanidis (76'), Ninis (85'), Bartolini (86')

Sendings Off - Fytanidis (76')