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European battles for Greece and Cyprus in the playoffs!
Tonight's playoff matches in the Europa League and Conference League are of great interest, with Cypriot and Greek teams claiming their qualification to the League Phase of the competitions. Only Panathinaikos plays at home. AEK Larnaca, Omonia, PAOK and AEK Athens are tested away from home.
AEK Larnaca continues its European journey with the aim of entering the League Phase of the Europa League. The Cypriot team eliminated Partizan, Celje and Legia in turn, showing character and stability in demanding pairs. Even if he doesn't make it against Bran, he already has a guaranteed place in the group stage of the Conference League.
Opposite her will find Bran, who left Hacken out. In the first match they won 2-0, but in the second leg they lost 0-1 in Norway. Despite the defeat, she managed to qualify and a few days later she raised her psychology with the double at home to Tromso for the championship, a result that boosts the team's confidence.
The goal for Imanol Idiaquez's team is to leave with the result that will allow them to hope for the second leg at the "AEK Arena".
Guided by the two qualifications against Torpedo Kutaisi and Araz, Omonia traveled to Austria with the aim of a positive result that will leave the entry into the League Phase of the Conference League wide open in view of the second leg at the GSP. Henning Berg's team impresses in its first games. Four wins in as many matches, 14 goals in favor and zero passive! The Norwegian coach has managed to give a clear identity to the team in a short time, giving decisive roles to players such as Evandro, Loizu and Jovetic. The blocking function is exemplary, with all the players contributing to the defensive plan.
Wolfsberger comes from being eliminated in extra time by PAOK, in a series where they stood decently, conceding Camaras' crucial goal in extra half-time. Nevertheless, it found an immediate reaction in the league, returning to victories. The Austrians are a typical example of their country's team, with good circulation, intense pace and an aptitude for scoring, but with weaknesses at the back. In the games against PAOK, however, they presented a much more solid picture in defence.
Omonia, with the image it presented in the previous games, can meet the demands and objective difficulties of the match, despite the fact that the degree of difficulty rises noticeably.
PANATHINAIKOS-SAMSUNSPOR (21:00)
Panathinaikos returns in front of its crowd with a high level of psychology after the great qualification against Shakhtar on penalties. Without the stress of elimination, since it has secured a place in the League Phase of the Conference League, the Athens team wants to celebrate its first European victory this season and lay the foundations for qualification for the rematch of Turkey.
Samsunspor enters the battle straight from the playoffs. Despite the fact that he does not have the experience and the name of Panathinaikos, he will chase the positive result against a stronger opponent. In the Turkish league, she has started ideally, counting two victories in as many games, which raises her confidence.
A difficult draw for AEK, which after the dramatic qualification against Aris in extra time, is called upon to overcome the obstacle of Anderlecht to find itself in the League Phase of the Conference League. The "double-headed eagle of the south" wants to leave behind last year's embarrassing elimination by Noe Armenia and ensure its presence in groups of European competitions,Even in the third grade.
Anderlecht, with a heavy jersey and tradition in Belgium and Europe, showed its quality in the previous round against Sheriff Tiraspol. After the 1-1 draw in Moldova, the "purples" were stormy in the second leg, prevailing 3-0 in Brussels and comfortably qualifying.
AEK relies on strength and passion, but away from home it has struggled over time, with Anderlecht remaining strong at home and having a lead for victory.
With Camara as his hero, who scored in extra time and beat Wolfsberger, PAOK qualified for the Europa League play-offs. The Thessaloniki team is showing a competitive rise game by game, but the demands of the fans remain very high. In the year that completes 100 years of history, the "double-headed eagle of the north" is looking for a European distinction that will give glamour to the celebration. The acquisition of Giakoumakis showed the administration's intentions to strengthen the roster and claim high goals.
Rijeka is a dangerous opponent, with a strong home. The team traditionally relies on its offensive philosophy, but defensively it has gaps that the Thessaloniki team can take advantage of.
PAOK are the favourites to qualify, but they have to prove it on the pitch.