Soccer-Aris close in on UEFA Cup spot with win over Levadiakos

By Barney Spender

ATHENS, Mar 8 (Reuters) - Aris Salonika moved a step closer to securing European football next season with a 1-0 win over Levadiakos in the Greek Super League on Saturday.

The only goal came five minutes into the second half from former AEK Athens midfielder Vladimir Ivic.

The win takes Aris to 41 points and consolidates fourth place although they are eight points behind AEK in third.

In Saturday's other game, Panionios rose a place to fifth with 35 points after a 0-0 draw at home to PAOK Salonika.

They are a point ahead of Asteras Tripolis who host bottom club Ergotelis on Sunday.

A top five finish will secure UEFA Cup football and could lead to a Champions League qualifying round spot. Greece will operate a playoff system for teams finishing second to fifth to decide their second entrant in Europe's premier competition.

(Editing by Ken Ferris)