Panathinaikos FC is Málaga CF’s rival in the Champions League play-offs
Málaga CF will face Panathinakos FC in the Champions League play-offs. The first leg match will take place at La Rosaleda on 21st or 22nd August, whilst the return leg will be held in the Spyros Olympic Stadium in Athens.
Profile of Panathinaikos FC
Founded in 1908, Panathinaikos FC is one of the most important and historic teams in Greek football. The team has won 20 League championships and 17 Greek Cups.
A regular in European competition, perhaps their greatest feat was reaching the final of the European Cup in 1971, though they were defeated by Ajax. They also reached the semi finals of the top European competition in 1984/85 and 1995/96, but were knocked out by Liverpool and Ajax respectively.
The Greece-based team that finished in second place in the Super League last season behind Olympiakos, is coached by Portuguese coach Jesualso Ferreira, former Málaga Club de Fútbol coach. Another ex-Malaguista is also in the squad, Quincy Owusu – Abeyie. Other players currently with Panathinaikos, who were previously in the Spanish League include Simao, Seitaridis, Vitolo, Toché and Sarriegi.
