Panathinaikos and Ajax renew their historic rivalry on Thursday, August 8 in a thrilling Europa League third-round qualifier.
The first leg takes place in Athens, where both teams aim to secure a crucial advantage and a playoff spot against either Bodo/Glimt or Jagiellonia Białystok.
Panathinaikos Look to Continue European Revival | Home Win = 2.23
Panathinaikos, returning to European competition after finishing fourth in the Greek Super League playoffs, have started their campaign on a high note. They defeated Botev Plovdiv with a 2-1 victory at home and a commanding 4-0 win away, thanks to the impressive form of Swedish striker Alexander Jeremejeff, who netted three goals in the tie.
Under the guidance of new head coach Diego Alonso, who replaced Fatih Terim in May, Panathinaikos aims to challenge for domestic glory and secure a spot in the Europa League group stages. The Greens narrowly missed out on the Champions League last year and are determined to make a deeper run in Europe this season.
Historically, Panathinaikos reached the 1971 European Cup final but fell to Ajax. Now, they hope to rewrite their European history with a strong performance against the Dutch giants.
Ajax Aim for Stability and Success | Away Win = 3.05
Ajax, boasting a rich European heritage, face the challenge of rebuilding under new coach Francesco Farioli. The Amsterdam club had a tumultuous last season, finishing fifth in the Eredivisie after a poor start. However, they have shown resilience by defeating Vojvodina 4-1 on aggregate in the second round of Europa League qualifying.
Ajax have won six consecutive matches, including pre-season games against Rangers and Olympiacos. With key players like Brian Brobbey and Jorrel Hato remaining at the club, Ajax are poised for a strong campaign under Farioli’s leadership.
Despite off-field issues, Ajax’s European pedigree remains intact. Their triumph in the 1971 European Cup against Panathinaikos marked the beginning of a dominant era, and they are eager to reclaim their status in European football.
Key Players & Team News
For Panathinaikos, summer signings Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Nemanja Maksimovic, and Tete played pivotal roles in their previous victory. Slovenian midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin is expected to start, while Alexander Jeremejeff will lead the attack, having scored seven goals in 14 league games last season and already netting three in Europa League qualifying.
Ajax will miss goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, still on leave after the Olympics, leaving Diant Ramaj and veteran Remko Pasveer to compete for the starting spot. Injuries have sidelined Owen Wijndal and Gaston Avila, but Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn could feature after returning to training.
The visitors are likely to field Chuba Akpom as the forward, with Jordan Henderson and Kenneth Taylor controlling the midfield. Steven Berghuis and Branco van den Boomen are also pushing for starting roles.
Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.40
Ajax has a better head-to-head in games against Panathinaikos with four (4) wins from their last five (5) meetings, which include and home and away victory in the 2016 Europa League. | Specials Market: Draw/Away = 1.99
Panathinaikos have shown good form with four (4) wins from their last five (5) games in all competitions including a home and away 6-1 win over Botev Plovdiv in the previous round of qualifiers. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes = 1.94
There have been three (3) over 2.5 goals in both Panathinaikos and Ajax’s last five (5) games in all competitions. Over 2.5 goals occurred in three (3) of their last five (5). \ | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.70
You can follow the Panathinaikos vs. Ajax Europa League match on MSport here.
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