Panathinaikos-AEL 1-1: 'Blunder', boos and far from the top four
In a disappointing 1-1 draw against AEL, Panathinaikos struggles under coach Rafa Benitez, falling further behind in the league standings.
Panathinaikos faced AEL Novibet in a match that ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, leaving them six points adrift of the top four despite a chance to gain ground with the fourth-placed Levadiakos dropping points. Since the arrival of coach Rafa Benitez, the team has struggled to find form, indicating a troubling trend as they continue to spiral deeper into a crisis without a clear path to recovery.
The match showcased Panathinaikos' tactical issues, particularly in the second half where their formation with three central defenders allowed AEL to effectively limit scoring chances, while also putting pressure on their defense. The first real threat came from AEL, who nearly scored through a long-range shot from Atanasov. The inability to capitalize on opportunities has become a hallmark of Panathinaikos' recent performances, leading to concerns among fans about the team's competitiveness moving forward.
This draw exacerbates the frustration among the supporters, who express their discontent with the performance during and after the match. The ongoing struggles under Benitez raise questions about his ability to steer the team back on course, while the players seem to be unable to elevate their game amidst rising pressure. As they drift further from league contention, the club faces mounting pressure to reassess its strategy and perhaps consider changes to reinvigorate both the squad and its management.