In their second Champions League tie, Panathinaikos Athens are not just fighting to breath new life into their chances of qualifying for the second round, but also to win back the faith of their fans.
In their second Champions League tie, Panathinaikos Athens are not just fighting to breath new life into their chances of qualifying for the second round, but also to win back the faith of their fans.
In their second Champions League tie, Panathinaikos Athens are not just fighting to breath new life into their chances of qualifying for the second round, but also to win back the faith of their fans.
After two almost completely sold out games at their 60,000 seater stadium in the Champions League qualifier against Wisla Crakow and against Olympiakos Piraus, club officials are awaiting no more than 30,000 for Tuesdays tie against Werder Bremen. The Athens Olympic Stadium will then be less than half full for the visit of the German club thanks to recent poor performances in the Greek league.
Panathinaikos defender Loucas Vintra is aware of the difficulty of the task his side face: "We know that our performance is the best way to win back our fans, actions and not words will help us now." The 23 year-old believes his side are heading in the right direction. "We've been improving steadily over the last three or four weeks and will have the chance to prove that tomorrow." Vintra continued: "We have a big European Cup tradition but we can't rely on that. We'll give 100%."
Trainer Alberto Malesani was clear to state that his side will by no means underestimate Werder Bremen: "The results this season speak for themselves. Werder are a top team with many internationals. They've fought in the Champions League and are now third in their domestic league", commented the Italien. Respect aside, the Greeks enter the tie in confident mood. Malesani: "Werder are not favourites, the chances are 50:50. I am very optimistic that we'll do well tomorrow. Above all we've improved defensively in the last few days and didn't conceed at the weekend - as it should stay against Werder.
Bremen see the roll of favourites as equally split: "Neither side are favourite when you look at the table, maybe you can see Panathinaikos as favourites because they're playing at home", considered Tim Borowski. "We're in good form and that even things out", Borowski continued. "Whoever can pick up three points now has a good chance of making the next round. It's not just about Olympic thoughts, or just about being there - we want to take all three points with us."
Johnnie Muldoon
