Panathinaikos suffered a shocking defeat in Helsinki against Víkingur Reykjavík (1:2) last week, possibly the biggest upset in this round of European football. The Greeks will be highly motivated in the return leg, aiming to quickly overturn the deficit and let their superior individual quality secure the result.
Injuries to Anastasios Bakasetas and Erik Palmer-Brown had a major impact on the first-leg performance, with both players substituted after the first goal. Despite the defeat, Panathinaikos generated 1.78 xG and dominated the shot count (15-9). Over the weekend, they defeated Volos (2:1) in the Greek Super League, where they have collected 27 points in 12 home matches (second-best home record in the league).
Unlike their Greek opponents, Víkingur had the weekend off, as their domestic season has not yet fully started. While they capitalised on Panathinaikos' struggles in the first leg, a similar defensive approach is unlikely to work in the hostile atmosphere of Athens. In the group stage, Víkingur failed to win any of their three away matches, conceding five goals.
Panathinaikos cannot afford another setback, and their coaching staff faces immense pressure to turn things around. The Greek side will dominate from the start, and Víkingur are unlikely to withstand their attacking intensity.
