Panathinaikos knows that this year’s qualifying process is putting a lot of pressure on the team, but it also calls on the team to prove itself worthy of the expectations, with a deep sense of responsibility toward its European legacy.
Tonight (8:30 p.m.), the “Greens” will have to show CSKA 1948 that last Thursday’s game (1-1) was simply a bad night and that the favorites remain the Greens, ready for the next step.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Jacob Nistrup understands the pressure that this year’s “mission” places on his shoulders. But he took over the “clover” knowing full well about this situation and is trying to balance the results needed to qualify for the Conference League’s League Phase with the ongoing work to forge the team’s new identity.
Unlike all the other Greek soccer teams in this year’s European qualifying rounds, there are no “safety nets” for Panathinaikos, which is why the "must-win" situation for Panathinaikos.
In this challenge in Sofia, the “Clover” will aim to put forth a much stronger defensive performance than what they showed at the OAKA last Thursday, while, on the offensive end, Nistrup is pleased with the readiness of Tetei, Levi, Rastoder, and Desers.
It should be noted that if Panathinaikos advances to the playoffs, it will face the loser of the Besiktas–Hradec Kralove matchup, with the Czechs having lost 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round.
The “Greens’” probable starting lineup:
Penya, Kyriakopoulos, Katris, De Vrij, Van Drongelen, Cherin, Kamara, Jagiusic, Levi, Adino, Tetei
*photo source: KYPE
