Panathinaikos not only secured victory in their third pre-season friendly but also delivered an outstanding performance that left an excellent impression. Despite the height of summer, Leoforos Stadium was packed with Green supporters, and Jacob Neestrup’s team inspired optimism and excitement with both the convincing 3-0 win over Swiss side Grasshopper and, above all, the quality of their overall display.
Making their first appearance with Stefan de Vrij in the starting lineup, the Greens scored through Jagusić, Zaroury and Taborda. They also struck the woodwork, created numerous clear-cut chances and fully deserved the warm applause they received from the fans.
Panathinaikos controlled the first half with an excellent tempo, creating seven scoring opportunities through Zaroury (8′), Kyriakopoulos (17′), Tetteh (18′, 22′, 44′) and Jagusić (37′), who also hit the post in the 26th minute.
The Greens produced fewer chances after the break but were considerably more clinical in front of goal while maintaining complete control of the match. The opening goal came in the 48th minute when Calabria found Jagusić, who carried the ball forward for several meters before unleashing a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. The effort took a slight deflection off a Grasshopper defender before finding the back of the net.
The second goal arrived in the 70th minute through Zaroury. The Moroccan collected the ball just outside the penalty area, accelerated past his marker, entered the box and finished emphatically with his right foot.
Taborda sealed the 3-0 victory, scoring in his third consecutive friendly. The Greens built the move well down the right flank, where Siopis delivered a low cross into the heart of the area, and the Argentine calmly finished with a composed first-time effort.
Panathinaikos will play their fourth and final pre-season friendly before the European fixtures against Paksi on Wednesday, July 15, in Vienna against Rapid Wien.
At half-time, Panathinaikos FC CEO Stefanos Giourelis honoured the club’s chess team after they won the Greek Championship.
Panathinaikos: Peña, Calabria (73′ Biniaris), Ingason (59′ Touba), De Vrij (46′ Katris), Kyriakopoulos (46′ Tsapras), Chirivella (73′ Cerin), Kontouris (59′ Kamara), Zaroury (73′ Pantelidis), Jagusić (59′ Taborda), Andino (79′ Siopis), Tetteh (46′ Rastonder).
