The Rizoupoli stadium has always been something like AEK’s country house: near its home, even when the team played against the owner of the stadium of Apollon. There are few times indeed, especially after the demolition of Nikos Goumas Stadium in 2003, that AEK used this stadium as ‘home’.
At Rizoupoli Stadium however, AEK plays mostly as a guest. Not necessarily of Apollon (15 years have passed since their last game at this stadium) but of other teams also like Acharnaikos tomorrow, because the capacity of their stadium was too small for AEK’s fans…
In this neighborhood, AEK was never a “guest". In this neighborhood, AEK is the boss! So, either against Olympiakos FC or Kifisia, was always victorious!
"Party, party on March 9"! Who does not remember the slogan that it was "born" after the big double when Olympiacos used this stadium as ‘home’ in 2003. Great win 1-2(instead of 1-6!) Demis Nikolaidis’ goal during the first half, but especially that goal of the very young then Kostas Katsouranis at 95 '(!) wrote the story. But a year later, the same season, 0-1 with a goal by Vassilis Lakis cost largely a title loss to "Reds".
AEK had also a record as a guest at Rizoupoli stadium. The 0-8 against Aigaleo on September 9, 1961, the premiere of season 1961-1962, is the largest in way win of any team in the history of Super League.
In 2006, the typical home team has been Ethnikos of third division and obliged AEK to play penalties for the quarter-finals of the Greek Cup. Bruno Cirillo had scored for AEK during extra-time and was celebrated in a way that had been commented variously, since the opponent was very weak. But the joy of the athlete at the time of high adrenaline is always justified ...
Last time AEK visited Rizoupoli Stadium was against Kifissia last April. AEK won 2-0 and finally mathematically ‘climbed’ to Football League, in front of ten thousand supporters. The completion of the first step of the great return was accomplished in Rizoupoli.. One more step is left ...