Panathinaikos vs. Braga: Preview and betting tips

On Tuesday, it will be decided whether Panathinaikos Athens will qualify for this year’s Champions League group stage, a year after falling out of the Europa League conference qualifiers with Slavia. They must beat Braga at home, having lost the first leg 1-2.

Panathinaikos is enjoying a dream season. In the Champions League qualifiers, they knocked out Dnipro and the favoured Olympique Marseille, but it wasn’t quite the same in Braga, Portugal. But a goal at the very end saved the result from a home rematch.

Braga entered the cups one round further on, with Serbia’s Bačka Topola easily beating them. Having postponed the weekend league round, qualification for the Champions League could be a historic achievement for the modest Portuguese side.

Panathinaikos’ key figures

The hosts rely on hitman Andraz Sporar, with the Slovenian striker now on three goals. He is partnered on offense by Greek international Fotis Ioannidis, author of three shots and two assists.

Braga’s key figures

On the away side, summer signing and Portuguese international Pizzi is thriving, scoring three times in four games. Brum has also done well apart from a needless simulation in the first game, scoring three goals and assisting once.

What to expect and what to bet on?

Unlike Braga, Panathinaikos did not postpone the league game and did well. They won 3-0 at home and confirmed that they are almost unbeatable in their stadium. Specifically, it hasn’t lost 12 home games in a row, last falling here in January.

In addition, Braga’s defence is 100% dysfunctional. It has not kept a clean sheet in any of its last four games since the start of the season, specifically conceding six goals. That’s a lot for a Champions League aspirant.

Considering Panathinaikos’ impregnable home fortress, their long streak without a loss and Braga’s struggling defence, I think the Greeks will win, whether it’s enough to qualify or not.

Betting Tip | Panathinaikos to win at odds of 2.58