Panathinaikos-Lance: Overturning qualification in the burning OAKA

The first big challenge of the season for him Panathinaikos it’s ahead! Diego Alonso’s team hosts the Lance in OAKA (21.00, Cosmote TV, bwinSPORT FM, www.sportfm.gr), wanting to overturn the 2-1 deficit from the first match in France. The goal, the overthrow and qualification to the League Phase of the Conference League, in order to continue its European course.

His stands Olympic Stadium are expected to be full and with the momentum of 60 thousand fans, the “clover” wants to overcome the high barrier of the French team. Certainly, the test is not easy, but not impossible. Diego Alonso also said it at the press conference before the rematch: “I feel emotion for what our fans are doing. I was asked what is the message for the world. The message was given by the people. They believe. And we believe. We are at a disadvantage against a great team. But we have a chance.”

In this battle, therefore, the Panathinaikos cannot count on Geremegevwho suffered a sprain in the last practice. Where Yiannis Alafouzos was also present, making his mark and showing the team that he supports it to the fullest, with the goal of the big qualification. At the same time, there are no other absences, with Alonso choosing the best possible lineup with all the resources available. In fact, several of those who will start the match are also fresh, since in the recent league game with Leviathanthere was extensive rotation. A match that, however, did not go well for the “greens”, since they had a bad image but they managed to win 1-0 with Sporar as a savior in stoppage time.

However, in today’s match, Alonso has focused a lot on the static phases, which he believes will play an important role, while given that he will need a lot of attention in the counter-attack. Clearly, limiting the speedy midfield of the opponents plays a role, but keeping the greens clean will be just as important in the economy of the match.

“I think games like this are something that footballers expect. For me it will be a great joy and special when we will be surrounded by so many people. We’ve seen in the past what an atmosphere they create in a packed stadium. It’s something that doesn’t happen often to play with 60,000 fans. This is a motivation for us to give 100% to achieve our goal”said Cherin on his part in co. Press.

At the same time, Lance it is in very good condition. In the first part of the first match with Panathinaikos was better, found two goals but was then hurt by the dismissal of Medina and saw Ioannidis with a goal reduce the final 2-1. The French are a team with very fast movement and transition, particularly dangerous and with several automations in the field. Of course, he has issues in defense, which … magnify in the second leg due to the absence of the main duo in the stoppers. Because the punished is missing Medina and the “rock” Kevin Dansowho left and transferred to Roma.

A few days ago, Lance beat Brest 2-0 and is one of four teams in Ligue 1 to have made it 2/2 at the start. In fact, he has not conceded a goal in the league, while the one from the “clover” is the only one he has conceded in an official match so far this season.

In the event of a tie after the final of both games, there will be a half-hour overtime and penalty kicks, if needed. The qualifying team will attend Friday’s draw for the League Phase of the Conference League.

The referee is the Spaniard, Juan Martínez Munuera, his assistants are Diego Barbero’s compatriots, Miguel Martínez, while the fourth is Cesar Soto Grando. In VAR, Alejandro Hernandez and Alejandro Munith Ruith.

POSSIBLE ELEVENS:

Panathinaikos (Diego Alonso): Dragovski – Kotsiras, Ingason, Jedvai, Mladenovic – Arao, Cerin – Tete, Bakasetas, Pelistri – Ioannidis.

Lance (Will Steele): Saba – Gradit, Sarr, Kusanov – Aguilar, Thomason, Diouf, Frankovski – Da Costa – Sotoka, Said.