Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens Agglo – In a fiercely contested UEFA Conference League 2024 Play-Offs 1st Leg, Lens emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win over Greek giants Panathinaikos. The French side displayed resilience and clinical finishing to take a slender lead into the second leg in Athens.
Lens vs Panathinaikos First Half: Early Strike Sets the Tone
Lens made a blistering start to the match, immediately putting Panathinaikos on the back foot. The home crowd at Stade Bollaert-Delelis erupted in the 4th minute when Przemysław Frankowski found the back of the net with a precise finish. The Polish winger capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Lens an early 1-0 lead.
Panathinaikos struggled to find their rhythm as Lens continued to dominate proceedings. The Greek side’s frustration was evident when Facundo Medina received a yellow card in the 13th minute for a reckless challenge. Despite their struggles, Panathinaikos had a few moments of promise but failed to convert them into tangible opportunities.
The French side doubled their advantage in the 34th minute. Wesley Saïd showcased his composure in front of goal, calmly slotting the ball past the Panathinaikos goalkeeper after being set up by a brilliant pass from the midfield. This goal gave Lens a commanding 2-0 lead and left Panathinaikos with an uphill task.
As the first half drew to a close, Panathinaikos tried to claw their way back into the game. Their persistence was rewarded with a yellow card for Tetê in the 44th minute after a late challenge on Diouf.
Lens vs Panathinaikos Half-Time Stats:
- Total Attempts: Lens 10 – 11 Panathinaikos
- Attempts on Target: Lens 6 – 2 Panathinaikos
- Corners: Lens 2 – 3 Panathinaikos
- Yellow Cards: Lens 1 – 2 Panathinaikos
Lens vs Panathinaikos Second Half: Panathinaikos Fights Back
Panathinaikos came out stronger in the second half, determined to reduce the deficit. Their efforts bore fruit in the 53rd minute when Fotis Ioannidis found the net, giving the visitors a lifeline. The Greek forward displayed excellent positioning and awareness to score from close range, bringing the score to 2-1.
The goal revitalized Panathinaikos, who began to press higher and apply more pressure on the Lens defense. However, Lens remained resolute, with Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina playing crucial roles in maintaining their side’s lead.
As the game progressed, both teams made strategic substitutions to freshen up their squads. Panathinaikos introduced Giorgos Vagiannidis and Facundo Pellistri in the 67th minute, hoping to add more pace and creativity to their attack. Lens responded by bringing on Abdukodir Khusanov for David Pereira Da Costa, solidifying their defense.
The final stages of the match were tense, with Panathinaikos pushing for an equalizer and Lens holding firm. Despite a few nervy moments, Lens managed to see out the game, securing a crucial 2-1 victory.
Lens vs Panathinaikos Full-Time Stats
- Total Attempts: Lens 10 – 11 Panathinaikos
- Attempts on Target: Lens 6 – 2 Panathinaikos
- Corners: Lens 2 – 3 Panathinaikos
- Yellow Cards: Lens 3 (Medina 13′, Danso 82′, Frankowski 90+8′) – 3 Panathinaikos (Tetê 44′, Willian Arão 71′, Vagiannidis 83′)
Lens vs Panathinaikos Lineups
Lens (Coach: Still William)
- Goalkeeper: Samba
- Defense: Machado, Danso, Medina, Gradit
- Midfield: Pereira Da Costa, Thomasson, Diouf, Frankowski
- Forward: Saïd, Sotoca
Lens lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing solid defensive organization and quick transitions. The wide play of Frankowski and Machado provided the team with attacking width, while Sotoca and Saïd spearheaded the attack.
Panathinaikos (Coach: Diego Martín Alonso)
- Goalkeeper: Drągowski
- Defense: Jedvaj, Ingason, Mladenović, Kotsiras
- Midfield: Tetê, Bakasetas, G. Čerin, Willian Arão, Đuričić
- Forward: Ioannidis
Panathinaikos opted for a 4-5-1 formation, focusing on midfield control and defensive compactness. Ioannidis operated as the lone striker, supported by Tetê and Đuričić from the flanks.
Lens vs Panathinaikos Key Substitutions
- Lens:
- Khusanov for Pereira Da Costa (26′)
- Labeau Lascary for Saïd (69′)
- N. Mendy for Thomasson (90′)
- Chavez for Machado (90′)
- Panathinaikos:
- Pellistri for Tetê (67′)
- Vagiannidis for Kotsiras (67′)
- Maksimović for Đuričić (80′)
- Limnios for Willian Arão (80′)
- Jeremejeff for G. Čerin (85′)
Lens vs Panathinaikos Yellow and Red Cards
- Lens:
- Medina (13′), Danso (82′), and Frankowski (90+8′) were all booked during the match for various fouls.
- Panathinaikos:
- Tetê (44′), Willian Arão (71′), and Vagiannidis (83′) received yellow cards for their challenges.
Lens Takes a Narrow Lead to Greece
Lens’ 2-1 victory at home gives them a slight edge as they prepare for the return leg in Athens. The French side will need to replicate their disciplined performance to secure progression to the next round of the UEFA Conference League. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos will be buoyed by their second-half goal and will aim to overturn the deficit on home soil.
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