Sarriegi – From Zero to Hero!

By: Peter Katsiris | November 26th, 2008

Jose Sarriegi was never the fan favourite at Panathinaikos, and after a terrible mistake away to Anorthosis Famagusta, the Spaniard fell victim to the terrible feat of an own goal; a marker that starting the bleeding for Panathinaikos in Cyprus. After tonight’s glorious night in Milan, the hate – well maybe that is a strong word, let’s say disliking – of Jose Sarriegi may have worn off. The defender found himself in the right place at the right time to tap in a Ioannis Goumas rebound; a goal proving to be the winner in a 1-0 away win for Panathinaikos against Inter Milan.

The goal could be considered a case of “in the right place at the right time”, but for a Spaniard who had yet to score in Europe the goal was more than just that. With defending part of his usual duty, scoring goals is not a typical daily duty for the Basque-born Sarriegi. In an interview with Greek media outlet SPORT 24, the unlikely goal scorer revelled not in his goal but the team’s success in Italy.

“We had to win this game,” Sarriegi told SPORT 24.

“We are very happy. It is an extremely important win.

“The last game is at our home and I think we will secure our passage into the next round.

“I don’t score often but that was an extremely important goal for the team and for the fans.”

With Sarriegi’s modest approach to the victory, there is cause to believe the Athenian giants won’t let the result get to their heads; however, the side on the brink of qualification for the knockout rounds can enjoy their success for now – ahead of a Super League meeting with Asteras Tripolis on Saturday.