Being superior during the whole duel, Panathinaikos, won in Baku, as well. Passing over the “obstacle” of Gabala, the Club will be present in tomorrow’s draw for Europa League’s play offs, after reversing the initial 1-0 (Moledo’s own goal) and thanks to two goals scored by Lod and Cabezas who made the final score 1-2.
The first period of the game was completed without goals, although Panathinaikos was not only superior to his rival but controlled the duel by all means! The “Greens” did a great and easy passing game and were able to get closer to Gabala’s box either by their wingers or by playing vertically, or even by creating dangerous situations after a quick transition game or by stealing the ball. Altman’s incredible opportunity in the 9th minute was succeeded by Molins (twice) and by Lod. Other players like Hult, Zeca and Chatziyiovannis were also very creative and efficient.
The team didn’t experience the slightest problem in the defense, preventing any passing game in the whole pitch from the side of their hosts. Gabala was unable to find any space either in the center of the ground or in the wings, as Panathinaikos’ coverage was exemplary. A misguided shoot by Mallown, just before the end of the first half, was the only move the Azeries were able to do during the whole period.
It is by that very image that, against all odds, Gabala opened the score in the 52nd minute. Monrose entered the box and a “blind” shoot went straight to the net (1-0) after touching Moledo’s foot. Nevertheless, the “Greens” remained calm and thanks to two substitutions made by coach Marinos Ouzounidis immediately, they were able to fight back the score, in just five minutes. Cabezas and Luciano replaced Altman and Chatziyiovannis and Lod moved to the right, changing the rhythm of the game. Acting as a right winger, the Finn, scored a goal by an excellent strong shoot into the box, in the 63rd minute. In the 67th minute, recently entered, Cabezas span into the box and scored the second goal (1-2), after a successful shoot with his left foot. This was the final score which gave Panathinaikos its qualification to the play offs of the Europa League.
The last part of the duel was open, having just a procedural character as everything was already determined. The hosting team tried to draw, though the “Shamrock” had some trivial chances mainly with Lod and Cabezas. The score remained unchanged till the end of the match and Panathinaikos celebrated its qualification to Europa League’s play-offs, getting its 101st victory in all European Competitions!
Lineups:
GABALA:Bezostony, Gourbanov, Vernitumb, Stankovic, Boulheis, Mollown (80′ Mammantov), Husseinov (75′ As. Mammadov), Halliday, Joseph-Monrose, Ozobic, Dabo (74′ Kone).
PANATHINAIKOS:Vlachodimos, Coulybali, Moledo, Kolovetsios, Hult, Zeca, Kourbelis, Chatziyiovannis (61′ Cabezas), Lod, Altman (56′ Luciano), Molins (80′ Reis).
