They do not want lengthy recollections for inspiration that they’ll recover from this hurdle having produced a Europa League attract Pireaus in opposition to eventual Greek champions Olympiacos final November.
Portuguese coach Vitoria has made minimal adjustments to his squad from final season and stays hopeful of coercing Morocco worldwide midfielder Azzedine Ounahi again to Athens after a fruitful season on mortgage from Marseille final time period, though Spaniards Girona have additionally been eager on one of many North African nation’s 2022 World Cup stars.
Panathinaikos made the final 16 of the Convention League in season 2024-25, shedding out to Fiorentina, however the 1971 runners-up have not competed within the Champions League correct for 15 years. It’s one thing they’re determined to rectify as they rounded off their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Belgians Westerlo in Athens’ Olympic Stadium, the place they’ll host Rangers subsequent Wednesday.
“These matches are all the time completely different from the official ones,” midfielder Adam Cerin mentioned after that recreation.
“Issues aren’t straightforward however we confirmed that we’re in good condition. There are elements just like the ambiance at Ibrox. We ready nicely and we are going to give every thing.
“We are going to give our greatest for a consequence there in order that we will come to Athens with a optimistic consequence.”
Coach Vitoria is assured that they’ll edge previous their Scottish hosts over the 2 legs, saying: “Now we have ambition, high quality and we wish to qualify in opposition to Rangers.
“Rangers, they’re a robust group, they’ve a historical past in Europe and particularly within the Champions League, however we’ve got our personal possibilities. Now we have ambition and perception in our talents, we’ve got high quality, we imagine in ourselves and we wish to qualify.”
With temperatures in Athens attributable to hit 41 levels this week, Martin will know the significance of taking a bonus to the traditional metropolis for subsequent week’s return, prepared or not.
