Panathinaikos faces Borac Banja Luka in Conference League opener

Panathinaikos will host Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka at the OAKA stadium on October 15, 2026, at 19:45. This match marks the Greek club's opening fixture in the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League, following a successful qualification campaign during the summer.

Manager Jacob Neestrup is aiming for an immediate recovery after the team's recent 1-0 defeat to Olympiacos in the sixth round of the Stoiximan Super League. Neestrup emphasized that there are no excuses for the lackluster performance in the derby and underscored the importance of securing a victory to regain momentum across their three ongoing competitions. The squad faces personnel changes for this fixture, with Danish left-back Victor Kristiansen set to make his debut, replacing the ineligible Anas Salah-Eddine in the lineup.

The match is viewed as a critical opportunity for Panathinaikos to restart their season positively despite the recent internal and media pressure following their derby loss. The club aims to leverage this European game as a catalyst for a more stable run in the upcoming demanding schedule.