Panathinaikos to face Liege

It is considered the most crucial game of the season for Panathinaikos, given that if the team qualifies, it will receive more than 2 million euros, which will offer the club a much needed financial breath of fresh air.

So, today's third round Champions League draw for the Greens was probably the most favorable. They managed to avoid FC Zenit, the strong Russian club which is aiming at the group stage. Instead, they will play Standard Liege, the Belgian side which seems no stronger or weaker than the Greeks.

Their chances look like 50/50, with the first leg held in Liege. If they go through to the next round, they are automatically qualified for the Europa Cup group stage, while at the same time they have a (long) shot at the Champions League group stage in the Ch. L. play-off games.

"Standard are a dangerous side, very strong in midfield and attack with quick, creative players", was the first response of Panathinaikos head coach, Yiannis Anastasiou. "They have quality, but also weak points. We believe in our side and we want to show what we are capable of in Europe as well", he added.

The two games are to be held in July 29 or 30 in Liege and August 5 or 6 in Athens.