In the first match of the knockout stage of the Europa League, Plzeň faced Panathinaikos in Athens, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The match kicked off with Denis Višinský scoring early for Plzeň, giving them a strong start. However, Panathinaikos responded effectively, with Andreas Tetteh leveling the score before the halftime break and later turning the tables to give Panathinaikos a brief lead in the second half. Despite the home team's advantage, Plzeň managed to equalize again, setting the stage for an exciting return leg next week.

This match marked the continuation of a recent rivalry between the two teams, as they had met just a short while ago in December, where they ended their league match without any goals, despite Plzeň playing with ten men. Plzeň's draw in Athens kept them as the only unbeaten team in the competition, reflecting their solid performance throughout the tournament. Historically, this match signifies their ongoing struggle against Greek teams in UEFA competitions, as they still seek their first victory against them despite the encouraging result in Athens.

The outcome is crucial as it not only impacts Plzeň's momentum but also sets the tone for the return leg in the Czech Republic where they hope to leverage the away goals rule and secure their advancement in the tournament. With both teams previously competing closely, the upcoming match is likely to draw significant attention from their fan bases, adding to the competitive rivalry in European football.