Panathinaikos will host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie at the Spyros Louis Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Greek side edged through the playoffs via a tense penalty shootout, while Betis enjoyed a more comfortable route after qualifying automatically from the league phase.
Panathinaikos’ Mixed European Form
Greek giants Panathinaikos will be aiming to make home advantage count when they host Real Betis, particularly as they seek to improve a mixed Europa League record this season.
The Athens-based club head into this contest in excellent domestic form following a commanding 4-1 victory over Levadiakos, a result that extended their strong run in all competitions.
Panathinaikos have recorded four wins and one draw from their last five matches across all competitions – excluding penalty-shootout victories.
Their Europa League campaign has been less convincing, with the Greens finishing 20th in the league-phase standings.
Rafael Benitez’s side amassed 12 points from eight matches, managing three wins, three draws, and two defeats while scoring 11 goals and conceding nine.
Their route to the round of 16 required extra work, as they were forced into a playoff tie against Viktoria Plzen. After a 2-2 draw at home and a 1-1 stalemate in the return leg, Panathinaikos eventually progressed via a tense 4-3 penalty shootout.
One concern for the hosts will be their home form in the competition, having recorded just one victory, three draws and one defeat.
Their last five European matches have all ended in stalemates.
Despite currently sitting fourth in the Greek Super League table, Panathinaikos may face a significant step up in quality against more experienced European opposition.
That said, their recent attacking displays at home could encourage, having scored 11 goals in their last four top-flight matches in Athens.
Real Betis’ Road to the Round of 16
Real Betis arrive in Greece after enjoying a far more consistent Europa League campaign during the league phase.
The Andalusian club finished fourth in the standings with 17 points from eight matches, recording five wins, two draws and just one defeat.
Recent domestic form has been slightly inconsistent, however, with Betis recording two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five matches in all competitions.
Their most recent outing ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Getafe.
In the Europa League specifically, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have looked far more assured, winning four of their last five matches in the competition.
Real Betis will be aiming to continue their strong Europa League form.