Panathinaikos prepares for Conference League play-off against Hradec Kralove

Panathinaikos is set to host the Czech side Hradec Kralove at OAKA on Thursday, August 20, at 21:30 in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-offs. Having successfully navigated previous qualifying rounds against Paksi and CSKA 1948, the Greek club aims to secure a favorable result to reach the competition's League Phase. Head coach Jacob Neestrup has emphasized the importance of winning and maintaining tactical discipline, acknowledging that while the team is still maturing under his two-month tenure, the primary goal remains qualification.

In a tactical shift, Neestrup made a last-minute adjustment to the team's European squad list, replacing Anass Zaroury with defender Eric Palmer-Brown. The coach cited the need for increased defensive stability over the two-legged tie against the Czech opponents, who entered the play-offs following their elimination from the Europa League by Besiktas. The squad completed its preparations at Koropi without any new injuries, and Neestrup intends to rely on his full available roster to secure an advantage before the return leg.