Panathinaikos delivered an imposing performance at “L. Katsonis” stadium in Livadia , completely dominating Levadiakos, securing a convincing victory and scoring four goals for the second consecutive match, thus guaranteeing their place in the championship playoffs.
The Greens imposed their rhythm, produced a complete performance, won 4–1 and fully satisfied the thousands of fans who turned Livadia into… Leoforos. Now they turn their attention to the first big European clash against Real Betis in the Europa League Round of 16.
The game started at a slow tempo. The first notable chances came after the half-hour mark, when Panathinaikos began to take control and increase the pressure. In the 32nd minute, Taborda’s cut-back was blocked, while in the 35th minute Calabria’s attempt went wide.
Panathinaikos’ explosive five-minute spell paid off in the 37th minute. After a cross from Calabria, Tetteh dominated in the air and produced a powerful header, but Lodygin made an impressive save, pushing the ball away to Taborda. The Argentine sent the ball back into the six-yard box where Hernandez was waiting and, with a close-range finish, made it 0-1, scoring for the second time in green.
Panathinaikos’ pressure continued and, after another threat from Taborda in the 41st minute, they found a second goal before halftime. Tetteh was brought down inside the box after a challenge by Magnusson. VAR alerted the referee, who reviewed the play and awarded the penalty. In the 45+3 minute Bakasetas converted confidently, sending the ball into the inside of the left post and into the net for 0-2. It was the captain’s ninth goal of the season and his fifth in the league.
Rafa Benitez’s team came out strongly in the second half as well. Five minutes after the restart they scored again. In the 50th minute Tetteh fought hard inside the area, won the ball from Cokaj and passed to the incoming Kontouris. The 21-year-old midfielder struck a powerful first-time shot to make it 0-3, scoring his first goal for the club.
Levadiakos reduced the score in the 61st minute (1-3) with a header from Pedrozo, but the Greens remained unstoppable. In the 70th minute, after a superb combination between Tetteh, Calabria and Pellistri on the right side, the Uruguayan delivered an excellent cross to Kyriakopoulos, who finished brilliantly to make it 1-4. It was his second goal for Panathinaikos after scoring against Samsunspor at OAKA last summer.
The evening ended with warm applause from the fans. Panathinaikos now looks ahead to the big European challenge against Real Betis next Thursday (12/3) at OAKA.
Levadiakos: Lodygin, Tsapras (87’ Manthatis), Filon, Magnusson, Vichos, Cokaj (75’ Nikas), Kosti (65’ Lamarana), Balzi (75’ Symelidis), Palacios, Ozbolt (75’ Layous), Pedrozo.
Panathinaikos: Lafont, Katris, Jedvaj, Hernandez, Calabria, Kyriakopoulos, Kontouris (66’ Sissoko), Bakasetas (84’ Cerin), Taborda (66’ Pellistri), Zaroury (66’ Andino), Tetteh (75’ Swiderski).
