Soccer-Joint leaders Olympiakos frustrated by 10 man Asteras

By Barney Spender

ATHENS, March 1 (Reuters) - Olympiakos Piraeus missed a chance to go clear at the top of the Super League when they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Asteras Tripolis on Saturday.

Olympiakos now have 49 points from 22 matches, level with Panathinaikos who play their game in hand at third-placed AEK Athens on Sunday.

Hosts Olympiakos, who visit Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League first knockout round tie on Wednesday, took a third-minute lead through Brazilian defender Julio Cesar.

Fifth-placed Asteras equalised midway through the first half with a goal from Argentine midfielder Horacio Cardozo.

Asteras, who have now gone eight games without a win, had defender Carlos Masara sent off in the 50th minute for a second bookable offence.

At the other end of the table, bottom club Ergotelis grabbed a potential lifeline by winning 2-0 at home to eighth-placed PAOK Salonika.

Junior Silva put the relegation strugglers ahead in the 60th minute before Dimitris Grammozis wrapped up their third win of the season with a second goal.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)