Champions League Preview: Panathinaikos’ European inferno set to reignite

By: Peter Katsiris | February 25th, 2009

The UEFA Champions League returned to full swing on Tuesday night, but twenty-four hours later the road to Rome will resume for Panathinaikos who travel to Spain to face Villarreal on Wednesday. With plenty of pressure on Henk Ten Cate’s side, the importance of securing a strong result at the ‘EL Madrigal’ is of back-breaking magnitude for the Athenians.

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.