Tumer Metin’s first half strike against Levadeiakos gave Larissa three crucial points as the Vyssini snapped up the last playoff spot on Sunday, two points ahead of battlers Aris FC – who also won 3-2 at home against Panthrakikos.

Nonetheless, Aris won’t be competing for European spots as they did last year. Instead, alongside Larissa, Aris’ bitter rivals PAOK are joined by Panathinaikos and AEK Athens as the other three sides rounding up the playoff contingent.

PAOK finished second in the league, eight points behind Champions Olympiacos, while Panathinaikos finished in third, a further two points behind. AEK clinched their berth in the playoffs weeks ago with their fourth place rank, but their preparations for the playoffs will likely take a back seat as an upcoming clash with Olympiacos in the Greek Cup Final awaits the Athenian outfit.

The playoffs commence on May 10^th, but each side will map out their plans for European competition as early as this Tuesday when the Super League commission completes the draw for the playoff round. No matter the order, PAOK will have the advantage – even if it is as slim as a point – as the Thessaloniki based side will start the playoff round with three points. Panathinaikos will begin with two points, AEK with one point to their name, while Larissa will start from scratch with zero points.

By: Georgios Kioussis

Panathinaikos have failed to advance to the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals following a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal Tuesday evening at the OAKA Spiros Louis. Vangelis Mantzios’ header 10 minutes into the second half canceled out Ariel Ibagaza’s opener, before substitute Joseba Llorente booked his side’s progression in Europe’s premier club football competition.

The Greeks were in prime position to move on after snatching an away goal when the sides met in the first leg of their First Knockout Round encounter. Yet an organized Villarreal denied Pana the opportunity to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in seven years.

Panathinaikos boss Henk ten Cate employed the 4-5-1 formation many pundits were predicting, Vangelis Mantzios – who nearly scored at the El Madrigal – returning from injury to lead the line.

The striker started brightly, dragging the ball away from his marker along the byline but hitting his cross at Diego Lopez inside five minutes.

It was a piece of action indicative of Pana’s style on the night, Mantzios tirelessly providing the hold-up play as the Greens looked to turn defense into attack.

Villarreal by contrast appeared the passing side they often are, Manuel Pellegrini’s men producing slick movement and one-touch football. Their efforts nearly came to fruition on 20 minutes as a sustained piece of possession provided them their first look at goal, but Nihat Kahveci’s long-range effort lacked the power to trouble Mario Galinovic.

Nihat would again try his luck seven minutes later, but his strike proved equally inadequate.

Galinovic’s opposite number was finally called into action on 33 minutes, though Giorgos Karagounis’ curling free kick from distance was routine for Diego Lopez in the end.

However things were less comfortable for the Spaniard four minutes later as Simao’s clever ball over-the-top sprung Mantzios in on goal. The striker shot first time from the edge of the penalty area, but Diego Lopez got down well to his left to deny the 25-year-old.

Everything looked in order for Panathinaikos going into halftime, but it took Villarreal just four minutes into the restart to turn the affair on its head. Joan Capdevila picked out Ariel Ibagaza with a clever cutback, and the Argentine sent a stunning first-time effort from the edge of the area past a despairing Galinovic.

Yet Ibagaza barely had time to celebrate his first ever Champions League goal as his side came under immediate pressure, a series of Pana set pieces culminating in an equalizer on 55 minutes. Karagounis’ corner was met in the air by Mantzios, who turned his thumping header past Diego Lopez.

It was a deserved goal for Mantzios, and one that sent the home supporters into rapture. But the celebrations were short-lived as Villarreal recaptured the lead on 70 minutes. A swift counterattack by the Spaniards ended with Ibagaza turning from recipient to provider. The midfielder picked out Joseba Llorente with a lofted through ball, and the striker made no mistake, settling the ball and slamming past Galinovic.

The writing was on the wall for Pana, though Mantzios would not give up his side’s cause. The striker leapt well to meet Karagounis’ cross on 78 minutes, but glanced his header over the bar.

Giuseppe Rossi could have added the gloss in stoppage time but his shot was cleared by Loukas Vyntra before it could cross the goal line.

It will make little difference to Villarreal, the Spanish outfit having secured their place in the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals nonetheless.

Panathinaikos (Henk Ten Cate) – Galinovic, Nilsson, Vyntra, Sarriegi, Wawrzyniak (Rukavina 86′), Simao, Gilberto, Karagounis (C), Gabriel (Christodoulopoulos 74′), Salpingidis, Mantzios

Villarreal (Manuel Pellegrini) – Diego Lopez, Angel Lopez (Javi Venta 29′), Fuentes, Godin, Capdevila, Senna (C), Eguren, Cazorla, Ibagaza (Bruno 75′), Rossi, Nihat (Llorente 46′)

Goals – Ibagaza (49′), Mantzios (55′), Llorente (70′)

Bookings – Llorente (70′)

Referee – Massimo Busacca (SUI)
Assistant referees – Matthias Arnet (SUI), Francesco Buragina (SUI)
Fourth official – Carlo Bertolini (SUI)

Venue – OAKA Spiros Louis, Athens, Greece

Looking to the Champions League to salvage a season plagued with domestic disappointment, a steeled performance by Panathinaikos allows Henk Ten Cate’s men to take a tender advantage back to Athens. However, Giuseppe Rossi’s tally from the penalty spot allows Villarreal to still dream about a spot in the quarterfinals.

By: George Kioussis

In cooperation with www.greeksoccer.com

Panathinaikos secured a critical away goal in their 1-1 draw with Villarreal Wednesday evening at the El Madrigal. A stunning strike from Giorgos Karagounis on the stroke of an hour gave Pana the advantage before Giuseppe Rossi restored parity from the penalty spot.

The Greeks must be pleased with having netted away from home in a match that was dominated for large portions by Villarreal. The Spanish outfit missed a string of first-half opportunities that could prove a burden when the sides meet again in Athens.

It was clear that Panathinaikos entered Wednesday’s Champions League First Knockout Round encounter with a defend-first mentality. Henk ten Cate employed what was essentially a glorified 5-4-1 formation that saw the Athenians invite the home side’s pressure over the course of the match. Loukas Vyntra’s return to the squad provided a boost, the Greek international passing a late fitness test and slotting into central defense alongside captain Giannis Goumas and Josu Sarriegi.

The Spaniards had their own concerns as Joan Capdevila and Guille Franco missed out through suspension, while centre-half Gonzalo Rodriguez was sidelined from injury.

Still, Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini could have taken solace in Pana’s record on Spanish soil, the Athenians entering the affair having lost on each of their nine visits in UEFA club competition.

And, much in line with past travels to the Iberian country, Pana’s fate looked dim as the hosts started brightly and produced a fine attacking display that saw them breach the Greek defense regularly.

Though the visitors packed men behind the ball, they seemed to lack any element of compactness as Villarreal passed around them with relative ease. Striker Giuseppe Rossi was particularly active, the Italian creating havoc with a select display of movement and one-touch football.

But for all their first-half dominance, Villarreal failed to make it count, the Spaniards lacking the necessary prowess in front of goal.

Such was true on six minutes as an incisive pass sprung Joseba Llorente behind Pana’s defense. The forward lacked the craft to beat a well-placed Mario Galinovic, who turned away the effort.

Galinovic was called into action again shortly after, the Croatian holding comfortably from Rossi’s tame free kick.

Things were less relaxing for Galinovic on 23 minutes, however, the keeper coming off his line for a cross he was unable to reach. Sebastian Eguren was in prime position to head home, but instead turned his effort over the bar as Villarreal let another chance go to waste.

Attacking intent was meager from the visitors, though on 26 minutes a casual clearance by the Spanish defense gifted the ball to Giorgos Karagounis in the box. The midfielder did well to skip away from his marker, but saw his initial shot charged down and his follow-up held by Diego Lopez.

From there, Villarreal were quick to increase their pressure. And, on 31 minutes, another piece of slick interplay saw the Yellow Submarine carve apart Panathinaikos’ defense, Ariel Ibagaza ultimately flashing his effort from the edge of the area a whisker wide of the post.

While Villarreal will have felt undone by the score line, Panathinaikos took issue with referee Konrad Plautz on 32 minutes. Karagounis floated an innocuous free kick toward goal that an out-of-position Diego Lopez appeared to catch after the ball had already crossed the goal line. Gilberto Silva was quick to make his appeals heard, but the referee was content to play on.

One might point to the decision as reason for the Greeks’ newfound inspiration after the restart. Panathinaikos emerged from the dressing rooms a revitalized side, keen on playing forward and keeping possession – a notion galvanized by Henk ten Cate’s decision to replace Goumas with the more attack-minded Gabriel at the break.

And, on 59 minutes, Pana’s efforts came to fruition as Karagounis shocked the El Madrigal with a stunning strike from distance that opened the scoring. The midfielder – who rarely hesitates to shoot – reacted to Evangelos Mantzios’ touch-on and unleashed a dipping drive that Diego Lopez pushed onto the underside of his crossbar and in.

The goal staggered home supporters and players alike, and with Villarreal still reeling, Mantzios came close to doubling his side’s advantage just four minutes later. The striker cleverly dragged the ball away from two markers but had his placed effort saved by Diego Lopez.

That set up further drama, as Villarreal were awarded a penalty on 66 minutes. Jakub Wawrzyniak was adjudged to have tripped Robert Pires in the area, though Panathinaikos will have felt a foul in their favor should have preceded the penalty decision, Wawrzyniak having been pushed over at the start of the move.

The details were minor to Rossi, who stepped up to convert the ensuing spot kick, confidently beating Galinovic to the bottom corner and bringing the home supporters back to life.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men would look to build on their momentum, Nihat Kahveci flashing his header just wide of the post 74 minutes.

Moments later Bruno saw his thumping drive parried by Galinovic before Rossi curled his effort from 20 yards just wide of the upright.

Yet Panathinaikos managed to withstand the late pressure and earn a draw ahead of the return leg in Athens in just under a fortnight.

Man of the Match: The honour of the Fans’ Man of the Match presented by Vodafone was awarded to Villarreal CF striker Giuseppe Rossi. The American-born Italy international played a large part in Villarreal’s offensive edndeavours. His dashes into the box confused Panathinaikos defenders at times, but his penalty goal to level the match soon after Panathinaikos went ahead was a massive boost for his club.

Villarreal CF 1-1 Panathinaikos FC
Rossi (pen.) 67′ — Karagounis 59′

Yellow Cards:
Villarreal CF — Senna 89′, Angel Lopez 89′.
Panathinaikos FC — Goumas 38′, Gilberto 69′.

Villarreal CF (Manuel Pellegrini): Diego Lopez, Angel Lopez, Fuentes, Godin, Bruno, Senna, Eguren (62′ Pires), Cazorla, Ibagaza (70′ Cani), Rossi, Llorente (62′ Nihat).

Panathinaikos FC (Henk Ten Cate):Galinovic, Goumas (46′ Gabriel), Vyntra, Sarriegi, Nilsson, Wawrzyniak, Simao, Gilberto, Karagounis (85′ Salpingidis), Spyropoulos, Mantzios (90+’ Rukavina).

Referee: Konrad Plautz (Austria)

Venue: El Madrigal, Villarreal, Spain.

Villarreal CF 1-1 Panathinaikos FC
Rossi (pen.) 67′ — Karagounis 59′

90′ + 5′ The referee whistles for full-time here in Spain.

90′ + 4′ We have passed the amount of added time, but the referee has not blown the whistle just yet. Panathinaikos is keen to run down the clock.

90′ +3′ Substitution for Panathinaikos: Mantzios (OUT) Rukavina (IN).

90′ + 1′ Great effort form Cazorla, but the Spaniard has his effort blocked and it rolls out for another Villarreal corner.

90′ The fourth official has signalled there will 4 minutes of stoppage time.

89′ Angel Lopez is shown the yellow for unsportsmanlike conduct off the pitch.

89′ Marcos Senna is booked for a hard tackle on Simao.

88′ Rossi nearly sent the El Madrigal into pandaemonium as he turned past Jose Sarriegi, but could only fire his effort wide of the Panathinaikos goal.

85′ Substitution for Panathinaikos: Karagounis (OUT) Salpigidis (IN).

83′ A corner for Villarreal is interrupted by an injury to Karagounis. It appears the inspirational Greek will make an exit in the coming seconds.

79′ With just over ten minutes left in the match, Villarreal is not content on playing out a draw at the El Madrigal. The last fifteen minutes have developed with the hosts hold 70% ball possession, compared to Panathinaikos weak 30%.

76′ Galinovic is forced to make a save after Bruno’s bouncing effort makes its way on goal.

73′ Rossi is becoming more and more dangerous as Villarreal continues to hunt for a second goal. The Italian turns his defender, before firing a fierce centering pass towards the Panathinaikos goal. Forcing Galinovic to make a reflex save.

70′ Substitution for Villarreal: Ibagaza (OUT) Cani (IN).

69′ A yellow card is issued to Panathinaikos’ Gilberto Silva.

67′ GOAL! Rossi makes no mistake as he cheekily converts the penalty past a fooled Galinovic. It’s now 1-1 in Spain!

66′ The referee has issued a penalty for Villarreal, after Jakub Wawrzyniak took down substitute Robert Pires in the box.

63′ Mantzios narrowly buries Villarreal with a strike, but his footwork can only fool his marker, as Diego Lopez makes a sublime save to keep his side in the match, and the tie.

62′ Substitution for Villarreal: Llorrente (OUT) Nihat (IN).

62′ Substitution for Villarreal: Eguren (OUT) Pires (IN).

61′ The goal has added plenty of pressure on Villarreal, there is more urgency in their attack, but Panathinaikos continues to assert its grip.

59′ GOAL! Giorgos Karagounis has scored a sublime goal. A swift pass from Mantzios is taken with some control by Karagounis, and the Greek midfielder has sent a superb finish past Diego Lopez to give Panathinaikos a 1-0.

57′ Rossi makes a dash towards the box, the ball escapes and tolls towards Cazorla, but the EURO 2008 winner drills his grounded effort just wide of the Panathinaikos goal.

56′ Another effort from Villarreal dies at the end of the play. It’s becoming quite the trend at both ends of the pitch.

52′ Mantzios is the lone striker in the Panathinaikos line-up, and it appears that the Greek striker is being isolated at the front for the Panathinaikos attack. Ten Cate might need to shuffle his line-up if the Dutchman is interested in seeing his side grab a goal in Spain.

50′ Effort for Villarreal as Rossi releases an accurate header, but it was little work for Galinovic who easily catches the looping ball.

46′ Substitution for Panathinaikos: Goumas (OUT) Gabriel (IN).

46′ And we’re back, will there be a goal in the plot?

Villarreal’s best chance came through Rossi, after he received a cross from Santi Cazorla. Galinovic made the save, but it seems this Croatian netminder will be under heavy fire throughout the match.

Panathinaikos’ offensive opportunities have revolved around their Greek midfielder, Karagounis, but he apparently scored. Not sure if the ball did cross the line, but Gilberto Silva looked certain that it did.

So that first half wasn’t exactly the most attractive display of football, but there are a few situations where either ‘keeper’s clean sheet was threatened.

45′ + 1′ It’s halftime at the El Madrigal Stadium as Referee Konrad Plautz whistles for the end of the first half.

45′ + 1′Long distance free-kick for Panathinaikos to wrap up the first frame. Karagounis takes the effort, but it falls in the hands of Diego Lopez.

44′ Time is winding down in the first half, with one minute of stoppage time added.

41′ A replay of that questionable effort from before was just provided, and according to the commentator the ball did cross the line. Personally, I cannot decipher if it did. Surely controversial, and it will be part of headlines in Greece after the final whistle.

38′ Panathinaikos’ Ioannis Goumas is cautioned by the referee, he will miss the replay in Athens.

34′ Panathinaikos continues to make sloppy mistakes in the midfield, forcing Galinovic to be very proactive around the edge of his box.

32′ Karagounis delivers a free-kick, which is straight towards Diego Lopez. Gilberto Silva is quick to protest that the ball cross the line as the Villarreal ‘keeper caught it. Video replay is not helping the cause, and from this angle, it is very hard to tell. It won’t matter though, the referee waves play on.

31′ Ariel Ibagaza produces a fine effort, but his finish is just wide of the Panathinaikos goal. Galinovic is in for a long night if his defenders continue to play like this.

29′ Rapid run for Villarreal just before the half-hour mark, and with Santi Cazorla leading the charge, the Spanish midfielder provides a pinpoint cross for Rossi; however, Galinovic produces a highlight save to deny the young Italian, before the rebound is shot wide by Llorente.

26′ Best chance for Panathinaikos through Karagounis, who first eludes his marker with great footwork, but Diego Lopez is not fooled and makes an easy two-handed save.

25′ Effort for Panathinaikos, but Mantzios is whistled offside just after releasing an on-target header towards ‘keeper Diego Lopez.

23′ Goumas was charged with a foul after challenging Jose Llorente. Effort taken by Senna, but Eguren’s header is just wide of the Panathinaikos goal.

22′ Free-kick for Panathinaikos at the other end. Karagounis delivers the shot but the effort is not worthy of a goal.

20′ Break for Villarreal, but Loukas Vyntra breaks up the play just before Rossi looks to have a shot on goal. The Greece international just made a crucial tackle there.

19′ Free-kick is taken by Rossi, but falls easily into the hands of Galinovic.

18′ Free-kick for Villarreal, 26 metres away from Galinovic’s goal.

17′ There is great contrast in both offenses. Going forward Villarreal looks more fluid than their Greek guests, but the Panathinaikos defender is remaining resolute thus far.

15′ A series of corners for Villarreal now, both are wasted.

13′ Corner for Panathinaikos, Karagounis delivers the ball but Mantzios’ Irabhimovic-like poke is far from testing Diego Lopez.

12′ It’s an interesting battle in the midfield as Marcos Senna locks horns with Giorgos Karagounis.

10′ First real promising possession for Panathinaikos, but a foul called on Evangelos Mantzios, ruins the play. The replay suggests the referee, Konrad Plautz, made the wrong decision.

8′ The fouls are coming in thick and fast, you can tell it’s going to be a physical battle.

6′ Great effort for Villarreal in the last sixty seconds. First Llorente attempt a crease cutting pass but thanks to Panathinaikos ‘keeper Mario Galinovic, and Mikael Nilsson the ball was cleared just before Rossi arrived on the scene.

5′ It’s been about five minutes now and it looks like Villarreal’s speed down the flanks will give Panathinaikos’ defenders some trouble; mainly a one Giuseppe Rossi and Santi Cazorla.

1′ Villarreal is certainly coming out strong, already asserting their grip on the match with a few strong runs into Panathinaikos’ end.

Game time: And we are off. Hope it’s a good game, enjoy everyone.

T minus a few minutes now: Players are heading out of the tunnel, and lining up for the traditional Champions League Anthem. THE CHAMPIONSS…

T minus 5 minutes: It’s times like this that make me love watching Greek TV. From awesome previews highlighting tonight’s game, the derby between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos on the weekend, and hilarious/annoying product advertisements are worth tuning in.

T minus 15 minutes until kickoff: The lineups have been revealed for both clubs; let’s start with the hosts:

Villarreal (Manuel Pelligrini): Diego Lopez, Bruno, Diego Godin, Fabricio Fuentes, Angel, Ariel Ibagaza, Eguren, Senna, Santi Cazorla, Joseba Llorente, Rossi.

Substitutes: Viera, Pires, Cani, Cygan, Mati Fernandez, Nihat Kahveci, Javi Venta.

Panathinaikos (Henk Ten Cate): Galinovic, Jose Sarriegi, Vyntra, Goumas, Wawrzyniak, Simao, Gilberto, Nilsson, Spiropoulos, Karagounis, Mantzios.

Substitutes: Tzorvas, Rukavina, Cleyton, David, Salpigidis, Gabriel, Ivanschitz.

____________________________________________________________________________

The UEFA Champions League has returned to its addictive state after a long winter recess, and to celebrate the return of the continental competition, the Greece Blog is hosting its first ever Live Blog as Panathinaikos tackles Villarreal in Spain.

With much at stake for both sides, it is likely to be a night filled with passion, drama, and excitement. So join me, Peter Katsiris, as I keep you updated throughout the ninety minutes at the El Madrigal Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled at 21:45 GR or 2:45 Eastern time, so why not grab a snack, read the match preview, and join me back here for kickoff… (live blog starts just above the sexy Sport24 trailer, and works its way up).

Need more incentive to join me? Take a look at the trailer below…

The tie might not be as attractive as some of the other round of sixteen matchups, but with both sides able to offer quality football at both ends of the pitch, an exciting encounter is expected to transpire in Spain.

Not the Favourites
Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini made it clear his side is not the favourite heading into the first leg, but many football pundits disagree. Pellegrini, nicknamed ‘The Engineer’, might have based his decision on his side’s poor form since the Champions League group stage ended in early December. Slumping to several defeats, and a near self-destructive state in Spain, Villarreal nearly saw their domestic season deteriorate to shambles.

Recently ‘Los Submarinos Amarillos’ have began the trek back to form; winning two of their last three matches in La Liga to climb back up to fourth place in the Spanish top flight. With Europe now at the center of their focus, there won’t be time for the hosts to slump around. With away goals playing a big part in the elimination of plenty clubs, Villarreal’s back line will need to provide a steeled performance to avoid a disastrous return to European action.

Going forward there are plenty of weapons that pose a danger to Panathinaikos’ hopes. Marcos Senna will need to be monitored, but maybe Giuseppe Rossi will be the main cause for concern. The American-born Italy international has shown his true colours this season in Spain, and with a potential to further his goal scoring record, a potent Rossi could deliver a knockout blow.

Lacking from the line-up will be the contributions of Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci through injury, but the main core of depletion comes through several suspensions. EURO 2008 winner Joan Capdevila and Guille Franco are two notable absentees through suspension. Meanwhile, a thigh injury leaves Gonzalo Rodriguez unavailable, but defender Angel faces a race against time ahead of the introductory leg.

Spanish Flu
If Panathinaikos is hoping to make up for their disappointing domestic form, which includes an eleven-point deficit to arch rivals Olympiacos, then they’ll need to overhaul a lengthy winless streak to ease the minds of their supporters. Panathinaikos isn’t settling on history to decide their European ambitions. While they are keen to take inspiration from their 1-0 defeat of Inter Milan at the San Siro, Panathinaikos’ winless record in Spain won’t discourage Ten Cate’s men.

Instead of discouragement, it will be confidence that will flow from the Panathinaikos ranks, who have lost just once since the Champions League went on recess back in December. Ten Cate has slowly moulded a winning formula for his side, but a performance better than their 2-1 win over Panionios will be required if the ‘Trifylli’ are keen to position themselves for progression.

Their bid to reach the knockout round featured many protagonists, but the most important figure may be Giorgos Karagounis. Captain of the club, Karagounis’ permanent second-wind is occasions such as this make him a danger to opponents. Remembered for his looping strike against Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion, the high profile midfielder will be searching for yet another memory to add to the club’s growing European scrapbook. If Karagounis is unable to steer the ship, another Greek, Dimitrios Salpigidis has been tipped to make an impact, after being ranked in UEFA’s top ten list of unsung heroes.

Injuries taint the pre-game storyline for the visitors, as Greece international Loukas Vyntra and compatriot Ioannis Goumas are likely to struggle to reach match fitness ahead of kick-off. Doubtful as well is Christos Melissis, and Brazilian Gabriel. Marcelo Mattos has been left in Athens, after being ruled out of action until March.

As European desires come at a crossroads once again, it will take several factors to determine which side joins the field for the quarterfinals. Wednesday night’s clash in Spain will go a long way in determining which side will make it to the next round, but both sides will be cautious of their standpoint heading into the replay in Athens.

According to the Greek press, bruising to the left leg will keep Vyntra out of Panathinaikos’ Super League fixture against Panionios, and the crucial Champions League match against their Spanish rivals.

The 28-year-old tops a long list of absentees for Panathinaikos’ meeting with Panionios on Saturday, as Gilberto Silva, Nikos Spyropoulos, Marcelo Mattos, Sotiris Leontiou, and Evangelos Mantzios have all been left off the roster.

Returning to the Super League during last year’s winter transfer window, Lambros Choutos played large part in Panionios’ surge into the Super League playoffs. The new season was not as rewarding, as the 29-year-old was demoted to the youth ranks of Panionios after a conflict with then manager Ewald Linen.

Though Choutos was a major bargaining chip in Panionios’ transfer monopoly to snare Fabian Estoyanoff and Alvaro Recoba as free agents in the summer, Choutos conviction didn’t translate into his teamwork.

Following the hiring of Takis Lemonis, Panionios was expected to rewrite their wrong-doings, and turn the season around; however, Lemonis didn’t last long as Panionios manager, resigning from his post just weeks after taking over at Nea Smyrni.

With the appointment of Panagiotis Stamatopoulos as caretaker manager, Choutos made his way back to the first team, but appearances were hard to come by.

Two weeks ago he was named to the pre-weekend roster which would travel to the OAKA Spyros Louis to face AEK Athens. Choutos then resigned from the squad soon after he was told he would be starting the match on the sidelines. It will be interesting to see if Choutos will remain coolheaded while at PAOK.

The tie between the Greeks and the Spaniards wasn’t the most intriguing pairing selected on this next night, as the likes of traditional European clubs were drawn against each other as a result of a topsy-turvy group stage.

While Panathinaikos tackles Villarreal, Premier League giants Chelsea will encounter Champions League returnees Juventus, and Sporting Lisbon will meet German Champions Bayern Munich. Atletico Madrid meets neighbouring Portugal’s FC Porto, while Ligue 1 champions face the daunting task of tackling Barcelona. Two of Europe’s most successful clubs will also meet as Real Madrid and Liverpool lock horns in Spain before heading to Anfield. Arsenal face finale hosts AS Roma in one of three Premier League vs. Serie A matchups. The third features Inter Milan and defending champions Manchester United.

The European calendar does not resume until late February, but when it does, Panathinaikos will find itself on the road to Spain to face Villarreal at the El Madrigal for the first leg. The return will be played at the OAKA Spiro Louis Stadium in Athens a fortnight later.

2008/09 UEFA Champions League
First knockout round – to be played 24/25 February and 10/11 March
Team named first at home in first leg

Chelsea FC (England) v Juventus (Italy)
Villarreal CF (Spain) v Panathinaikos FC (Greece)
Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v FC Bayern München (Germany)
Club Atlético de Madrid (Spain) v FC Porto (POR)
Olympique Lyonnais (France) v FC Barcelona (Spain)
Real Madrid CF (Spain) v Liverpool FC (England)
Arsenal FC (England) v AS Roma (Italy)
FC Internazionale Milano (Italy) v Manchester United FC (England)

For the “Trifylli”, there are seven potential opponents but defender Jose Sarriegi voiced his desires to avoid Spanish clubs during Friday’s shuffle. In reality, the likelihood of Panathinaikos being paired up with three La liga clubs included in the list of possible opponents.

Panathinaikos could face the same trip their bitter rivals Olympiacos encountered last year when they traveled to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Alongside last year’s finalists, Panathinaikos’ order potential pairings include Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon, Spain’s Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, Ligue 1 champions Olympique Lyonnais, Barclays Premier League side Arsenal, and the most successful club in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid.

No club can control their fate now, as UEFA staff partnered with several football talents will look to please football fans with the ambitions to introduce several interesting ties.

Speaking to Greek radio station ERA SPOR on Monday, Sarriegi gave his insight on Panathinaikos’ domestic form, the club’s Champions League ambitions and his ‘golden’ goal at the San Siro less than a month ago.

Are you satisfied with Panathinaikos’  performance in both Greece and the UEFA Champions League?
“The truth is, in Greece we have missed many matches. We missed out on many results we should have won. At home we have also struggled to take the initiatives required to seal matches we should win. In Europe, it is very different; we have not made the same mistakes.”

What do you think went wrong to allow Panathinaikos to lose so many points at home?
“In the championship we seem to rely on scoring one goal, and then defending for the remaining time. We have done it time and time again, and have paid the price against Ergotelis, Iraklis and recently Asteras Tripolis. Each time this phenomenon has occurred, the direct result has turned fatal for us with one goal from our opponents have cause problems for us.”

Is a good run in the UEFA Champions League forcing Panathinaikos to leave the Greek Championship in second place?
“No. We want to win the championship, and are doing our best to do so. We will fight for the title because we want to conquer; we want to win everything. We are not only thinking about the (UEFA) Champions League. We just have to take some time to realize our objectives, and concentrate on being success both within and outside Greece.”

Your thoughts on the crucial goal you scored in Milan…
“I did not do something special. I just happened to be in the proper place to find the ball and put it into the back of the net. The entire team deserves congratulations. We fought as a team, and we succeeded as a team.”

Will Panathinaikos be able to win the Championship?
“Why not? Ahead of our match on Sunday (against Panserraikos) we were nine points behind Olympiacos; now we are only seven points behind. There is still plenty of time for Panathinaikos to catch up. We have to benefit on our opponent’s mistakes.”

The prognosis of Panathinaikos’ next opponent in the UEFA Champions League?
“The only wish is to avoid the cluster of Spanish clubs. This is not controllable obviously, and we will fight for qualification for the next round. I would prefer, however, to avoid Spanish clubs.