They beat Paksi, they beat CSKA 1948, and now they’ve reached the most critical point: one step away from the League Phase of the Conference League.
Panathinaikos is playing tonight (9:30 p.m.) against Hradec Králové at the OAKA, a result that will allow them to look forward to the second leg with optimism and take one of the two steps needed for success after three qualifying rounds.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Countdown to the Panathinaikos derby
Jacob Nistrup knows the importance of positive results at this moment; he prioritizes wins over attractive soccer, even as he tries to combine the two. However, he understands that it’s perfectly reasonable—even at the end of August—for a team not to be at its best, especially as a new coach with only two months on the job tries to shape it.
The “Greens” prepared without any surprises for the big match against the Czechs, who were eliminated by Besiktas in the third qualifying round of the Europa League and thus found themselves in the path of “clover.”
Nistrup decided he wanted more defensive strength ahead of the two playoff matches and thus made a last-minute change to the roster, leaving Zarouri out and bringing Palmer–Brown into the starting lineup.
However, the only question mark appears to be in the midfield, where Cerin seems to have the edge, though Kontouris also has a chance.
More than 20,000 Panathinaikos fans are expected once again at the OAKA, despite the fact that it’s still August 20 and a time when many are away on summer vacations.
Panathinaikos’ probable starting lineup: Penia, Kyriakopoulos, Tsapras, Van Dongelen, De Vrij, Kamara, Cherin/Kontouris, Jagusić, Antino, Levi, Tetei.
The “Greens’” squad: Peña, Kotsaris, Chaves, Katris, Tsiriveya, Touba, De Vrij, Tetei, Jagusic, Desers, Adino, Palmer Brown, Cherin, Kontouris, Tsapras, Taborda, Kamara, Pelistri, Biniaris, Van Drongelen, Rastonder, Kyriakopoulos, Garcia.
The officiating crew:
- Referee: Brissard (French)
- Assistant referees: Aguer (French), Bertomeu (French)
- Fourth official: Vatelier (French)
- VAR: Pinar (French)
- A VAR: Genaoui (French)
*photo source: pao.gr
