Panionios takes big step towards UEFA Cup Qualification

Panionios took one big step towards UEFA Cup Qualification with a 3-1 over Serbian club OFK Beograd. Two goals from former Inter Milan striker, Lambros Choutos, and another from Georgios Barkoglou sealed progression to the 3rd Round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

After falling 1-0 to their opponents in Belgrade a week before, it was a must win for the Greek club looking for success in European competition. The game started with the hosts securing the lead and reviving their chances of progression. Barkoglou slotted home the first, and seventeen minutes later, Choutos, solidified the Panionios lead. The Panionios quest for the UEFA Cup took a severe blow nine minutes into the second half, as OFK’s William Artur De Oliveira pulled one back for the Serbian club. However, an unfazed Panionios held their composure and were rewarded when OFK conceded a penalty nine minutes later. Choutos stepped up, and converted for his second goal of the match. Panionios triumphed 3-1, and 3-2 on aggregate.

Panionios joins ten other clubs on the progression to the next round. Italian club, SSC Napoli, awaits the Athenian club for a spot in the UEFA Cup Qualification Rounds. The winners of the eleven 3rd Round ties will have the opportunity to qualify for the UEFA Cup group stage. This year’s UEFA Intertoto Cup will be last of its kind, as UEFA is discontinuing the tournament come next season. The first leg of the 3rd Round is set for this weekend, with Panionios hosting Napoli at Nea Smyrni on Sunday. Panionios will look to erase previous Greek tragedies in the tournament, as a Greek club has never qualified for the UEFA Cup via the Intertoto Cup.