Panathinaikos Beats Levadiakos 4-1: Key Players & Concerns Ahead of Europa League Clash with Real Betis

Athens, Greece – Panathinaikos, preparing for a challenging Europa League round of 16 tie against Real Betis, secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Levadiakos in a Greek Super League match on Sunday. The win bolsters Rafa Benítez’s side as they turn their attention to European competition, though the team faces some key absences for the first leg against the Spanish outfit.

Javi Hernández opened the scoring for Panathinaikos, setting the tone for an assertive performance. By halftime, the visitors had established a comfortable 2-0 lead, with a penalty converted by Dimitrios Bakasetas just before the interval. Kontouris extended the advantage early in the second half, making it 3-0. Even as Levadiakos managed to pull one back through Pedrozo, Kyriakopoulos sealed the victory with a fourth goal for Panathinaikos twenty minutes from full time.

Benítez fielded a starting eleven featuring Lafont in goal, a defense of Katris, Jedvaj, and Hernández, with Calabria and Bakasetas in midfield alongside Kontouris and Kyriakopoulos. The attack was led by Taborda, Zaroury, and Tetteh. Substitutions saw Pellistri, Sissoko, and Andino replace Taborda, Kontouris, and Zaroury in the 66th minute, Swiderski came on for Tetteh in the 75th, and Cerin took over from captain Bakasetas in the 84th.

The result strengthens Panathinaikos’ position in the Greek Super League, solidifying their fourth-place standing with 45 points from 24 matches. This moves them three points clear of Levadiakos in the league table. For context, the Greek Super League features 14 teams, and the top teams qualify for European competitions.

Europa League Implications: Key Absences for Benítez

Looking ahead to the Europa League clash with Real Betis, Benítez will be without several key players. Javi Hernández is suspended following a red card received in the return leg against Viktoria Plzen. Adding to the concerns, captain Dimitrios Bakasetas and Touba are both ruled out due to accumulation of yellow cards during the Europa League competition. These suspensions present a tactical challenge for Benítez as he prepares to face a strong Betis side.

The absence of Bakasetas, a key playmaker and penalty taker, is particularly significant. His leadership and creative influence will be missed in midfield. Hernández’s suspension also impacts the defensive options available to Benítez. Touba’s absence further limits the manager’s choices in midfield.

Benítez’s Tenure at Panathinaikos: A Return to Greece

Rafa Benítez’s appointment at Panathinaikos, confirmed in October 2025, marked a return to club management for the experienced Spanish coach. ESPN reported that the deal is believed to be the highest salary ever paid to a coach in Greece, reportedly close to €4 million ($4.6m) per season with an option for an additional year.

Benítez’s career has spanned numerous high-profile clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Napoli. He famously led Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005, a victory often referred to as the “Miracle of Istanbul.” His managerial journey has also included spells at Chelsea, Newcastle United, and most recently, Celta Vigo, where he was dismissed in March 2024 after a hard run of results. According to his Wikipedia page, Benítez began his coaching career with Real Madrid’s youth teams before moving into senior management.

Panathinaikos will host the first leg of their Europa League tie against Real Betis on [Date to be confirmed – check UEFA Europa League schedule]. The match will be played at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium in Athens. Fans can expect a passionate atmosphere as Panathinaikos aims to build a strong impression in the knockout stages of the competition. The return leg will be played in Seville, Spain, on [Date to be confirmed].

The Greek side currently sits fourth in the Super League, demonstrating a solid domestic form that Benítez will hope to translate into European success. The team’s performance against Levadiakos provides a positive momentum heading into the crucial Europa League matches. Still, the suspensions of key players will undoubtedly test Benítez’s tactical acumen and squad depth.

Next up for Panathinaikos is their Europa League first leg against Real Betis. Fans can follow the match live on [Broadcasting details to be confirmed – check UEFA Europa League broadcast schedule].