Panathinaikos on the verge of group stage return

Panathinaikos face their final qualifying test tonight at OAKA, as Czech club Sparta Prague pays a visit to the Greek capital. Holding a 2-1 aggregate lead heading into tonight’s deciding leg, Panathinaikos is favourite to progress to the group stage of the Champions League.

The Greek side gave a formidable performance in Prague nearly a fortnight ago, but the tie all but over. A busy week for the Greek side sees Panathinaikos prepare for a weekend derby, with a chance to reach the group stage for the first time in three seasons. Georgios Karagounis is expected to sit out this match with an ankle injury suffered during international duty last week. Nonetheless, Panathinaikos provides cover as summer-signing Cleyton is expected to get the start. Marcelo Mattos is also likely to return to the squad in the wake of Karagounis’ absence.

A key role-player in the club’s first leg success was Sotiris Ninis. Coming off his second international cap, Ninis will need to be at his best again tonight.

“We can’t rely on the first-leg result,” said Ninis.

“Sparta will be determined to spring a surprise so we have to play as if the score is still 0-0. We have to focus and perform better than we did in Prague.”

Sparta’s recent domestic result, 4-1 thrashing of SK Dynamo Ceské Budéjovice, proves the Athenian giants will be in tough against a determined Prague side. Naming an attack-filled side on the weekend, Sparta coach, Vítězslav Lavička, is expected to do the same against Panathinaikos.