One of the central figures, due to his locality but also his career, of tomorrow’s (23/08) Panathinaikos’ first match against Braga is undoubtedly Zeka.
The 34-year-old international midfielder gave an interview to the “Esporte ao Minuto” website, through which he expressed his optimism that the “greens” can “beat” the Portuguese team and pointed out that Panathinaikos fans will give his team extra strength in the rematch .
What Zeka said in detail:
For the dramatic qualification against Marseille and the strong emotions it caused: “It was a difficult away game and a very complicated atmosphere, and we didn’t have our fans. We conceded an early goal, but we knew that at any time, in a situation to score, we would go to a draw and it would be in our favour. Unfortunately, this did not happen and we finally conceded a second goal. We knew that with a goal we would equalize the score for qualification and go to overtime. The team had to think about it, stay cool and look for the opportunity. Of course we were happy, this is also part of football. We looked for happiness and worked to make it happen. We did it and in the penalty shootout we were better. But always with the thought that whatever the result, a goal would take us into extra time. And it happened.”
On whether, when Mladenovic hit the penalty, he thought he would return to Portugal: “I remembered that I am going to go back to Portugal, but at that moment we all felt a satisfaction to eliminate a great team in Europe, which has been significantly strengthened and has a very different budget from us. We managed to deal with them and eliminate them. It’s quite an achievement for a team that hasn’t competed in European competition for years. It made me very happy to know that we are one step away from entering the Chamoions League groups, but also that I will be back in Portugal and facing a Portuguese team.”
On what he expects from Braga’s games and if he has watched them this year: “I only saw the game they lost in the first matchday of the championship (vs. Famalikao). But it’s a worthwhile team as a whole, they have very good units. It’s a team that’s been playing together for a long time and has its automations. It doesn’t change the way he fights much. We expect a complicated game, but we have the feeling that we can do something good in Braga.”
As for whether he considers it an advantage that the rematch will take place in Greece: “With Marseille, the opposite happened. First we played at home and then away. We got a good result at home to go to Marseille. Now that the away goal doesn’t count, I think it’s the same for both teams.”
On whether the support of the fans will help in the second leg if there is not a good result in the first leg: “Of course, they are a great strength of our team. Playing at home gives us extra motivation. The fans help us a lot and give us strength. That will certainly happen in the home game. They will be by our side, supporting and pushing us. For us, it is very important to feel the support and strength coming from the platform. It gives us more courage.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
