CL Preview: Real Madrid-Panathinaikos
Real Madrid are now flying high in the Liga after coming back from the depths of the table. One of their poorest start to the competition ever is now being offset by a string of fine wins, and they're in a position to defend their Spanish title again.
Real Madrid are now flying high in the Liga after coming back from the depths of the table. One of their poorest start to the competition ever is now being offset by a string of fine wins, and they're in a position to defend their Spanish title again.
In Europe, things have always been much easier than in the Liga. Real strolled to qualification for the second round, fighting off AS Roma's competition for the 1st spot.
Real also eased past Sparta Prague two weeks ago in the first day of the second phase, to immediately take the lead of their group.
Panathinaikos are happy to be in the second phase after qualying from a group in which Arsenal were also featured. They have the ambition to progress to the quarter finals, but plot thickened right from the start as they were held at home by FC Porto in their first match.
Team news
Real Madrid coach Vicente Del Bosque will be holding on to his usual starting XI. Claude Makelele's fitness is his only concern. If the French international doesn't make it, Albert Celades will jump in in defensive midfield.
Del Bosque insisted he wanted the three points, no matter what. "Doing so, we will be able to concentrate on the Liga over winter and get back to Europe with confidence", he said.
The Greek side are famous in Spain for finishing in front of Mallorca in the previous round, so they won't have the chance to take Real by surprise.
Cyprus striker Konstantinou is doubtful because of a minor injury but he should be there at the Bernabeu. Instead, Angelos Basinas is almost certain to miss the game as he is suffering of a pulled thigh.
Former Valencia forward should start from the bench. He said Pana will be happy to keep the damage to a minimum after describing Real as "close to perfection".
Team form
Real Madrid: They are on a winning streak of 5 wins in a row. Need I say more ?
Panathinaikos have just drawn v Olympiakos in the Athens derby. They have also conceded the draw v Porto in the CL 15 days ago.
Probable line-ups
Real Madrid: Casillas, Salgado, Hierro, Pavon, Roberto Carlos, Makelele or Celades, Helguera, Figo, Raúl, Zidane & Morientes.
Panathinaikos: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Fisas, Henriksen, Kyrgiakos, Mikaelsen, Karagounis, Sousa, Kolkka, Olisadebe & Konstantinou.
SA prediction
Real have only faltered against Roma at the Bernabeu so far, in a meaningless game. They're hungry for points and Panathinaikos will be a palatable prey ! By the way: Greek sides have never won in Spain in European competitions...
Real to win: 75%
Draw: 15%
Pana to win: 10%