Greek basketball club Panathinaikos defeated CSKA Moscow 86-85 in game 3 of the Euro League play-offs held in Athens on Monday night, staying alive in the battle of the qualification for the Final Four in Madrid.

After two losses in the first two games in Moscow, Panathinaikos took the lead in the third meeting between the two clubs as a new defeat would mean exclusion for the Greek team.

At the city's Olympic sports complex OAKA, the Greens repeated what they did last season and bounced back with victories on their home floor to keep the series alive.

CSKA Moscow dominated the first period which ended 14-20, the Greens overturn at half time reaching a draw 34-34 and advanced in the third period with a 56-53 score. Guard Nikos Pappas was the top scorer of the game, with 25 points for Panathinaikos.

After Monday's game, Panathinaikos has to repeat his victory to stave off elimination for Game 4 on Wednesday, as CSKA Moscow leads 2-1 and is closer to win the ticket to the next final four round.