Panathinaikos F.C. to go through despite Camp Nou humiliation
There was no shock on display, no upsets on the cards when Barcelona entertained Panathinaikos F.C. in the opening group match of UEFA Champions’ League Group D. Those who witnessed the match got what they were expecting. Barcelona battered their Greek counter parts and had an astounding 76% possession, coming out of the match as 5-1 victors. These statistics hardly come as a surprise when Barcelona is in focus. Barcelona was by far the superior side. The tiki taka football at display was of the highest quality. Lionel Messi’s second goal in particular had Barcelona written all over it.
No matter how the result turned out to be, Panathinaikos have played out the toughest match of their group stage campaign and will be relived to travel back to Greece. Panathinaikos will face far easier opponents in the shape of Russian club Rubin Kazan and Danish counterparts FC Kobenhavn. Some might point out to the tough time that the Russian champions gave last year and they might have a case too. But Rubin and Kobenhavn will have to face Barcelona - matches that they will arguably lose. In such a scenario, both teams will have to come out and attack Panathinaikos if they are to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Both Rubin Kazan and FC Kobenhavn will fare a little better then Pana at the football cathedral that is Camp Nou. Lighting doesn’t strike twice and Rubin will not get away with their ultra defensive approach this time. Kobenhavn on the other hand will lose out due to the inexperience in the Elite European club competition.
Panathinaikos have a very strong squad on paper with ample Champions League experience. The likes of Jean-Alain Boumsong, Sidney Govou and Gilberto Silva have enough big stage pedigree amongst themselves to drag Pana to the knockout stage. They might be past their prime but their big match experience will be a fantastic contribution come December. It’s not just the veterans that will matter. Club vice captain Djibril Cisse and the explosive Luis Garcia are capable of producing the magical moments just when their team’s look down and out. A stunning volley against Juventus that beat Gianluigi Buffon by a certain Luis Garcia in the 2005 edition of the competition comes to mind.
Now to the Greek fireball that is Sotiris Ninis. The little Greek, standing at 5 foot 8 inches absolutely tore apart a far superior Roma side in Europa League. Ninis, the youngest player to have ever scored for Greece, has all the ingredients to become a world class player. His dribbling ability is sublime and he has an excellent ‘footballing’ brain to go with that. Where his technical ability is already amongst the best in the current Panathinaikos squad, he will only grow strong mentally. His decision making will improve manifolds, making him a tremendous prospect for the future. Trust Ninis to have too much for the opposition.
Panathinaikos need to get the six points at offer from the two games at home against Rubin and Kobenhavn. Even draws away from home will not do much harm. Pana just need to get over the defeat as they are sure to witness the rest of the competitors getting thrashed at Cam Nou over the coming months.
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