Panathinaikos beats Paksi 2-1 away to take slim lead into Conference League return leg

Panathinaikos opened their European campaign with a 2-1 away victory against Hungarian side Paksi in the first leg of the Conference League second qualifying round, taking a narrow advantage back to OAKA.

The match started at high tempo with both teams creating chances, but after the opening 20 minutes Panathinaikos asserted control. Zarouri sent in a dangerous cross from the right in the 41st minute and defender Vas, attempting to clear under pressure from Tetey, turned the ball into his own net to hand the visitors the lead.

Second-half control and missed chances

Panathinaikos came out stronger after the break. Tetey missed a huge opportunity in the 49th minute, firing over from close range after a one-two with Antino. The second goal arrived in the 56th minute when Antino capitalised on a defensive deflection, racing through to slot past goalkeeper Kovácsik. The forward had earlier seen a 19th-minute effort saved.

Paksi fight back

Paksi responded in the final quarter. Salai struck the crossbar in the 64th minute before forward Bóde finally beat Peña with a precise right-footed finish in the 71st minute to make it 2-1. The goal galvanised the home side, who pressed for an equaliser, but De Vrij and Kyriakopoulos held firm.

Return leg and what's next

Head coach Jacob Nistrup used all his attacking substitutes as Panathinaikos chased a larger margin, but Jagusic (60th minute) and substitute Pelistri (80th minute) both squandered clear openings. The second leg will be played at OAKA stadium on 30 July at 21:30 local time. The aggregate winner will face either Spartak Trnava or CSKA 1948 in the third qualifying round.