Greek football clubs PAOK and Panathinaikos are preparing for their critical away matches in the Europa League playoff round scheduled for February 26, 2025. Panathinaikos will visit Viktoria Plzeň in the Czech Republic, seeking to overcome the 2-2 draw they managed at home in the first leg. Coach Rafa Benítez's team faces a tough challenge against the only unbeaten team in this year's competition, but the matchup still holds promise for a successful qualification.

Simultaneously, PAOK will take on Celta Vigo in a later match, after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the first leg played at home in Toumba Stadium. Coach Razvan Lucescu has to make do without key players such as Pavlenka and several others due to injuries, which adds pressure on the team. The stakes are high for both teams, as European progression could boost the clubs' financial situation and prestige in continental football.

As the competition intensifies, the absence of injured players adds to the challenges faced by both teams. The outcomes of these matches are crucial not only for their current season but also for the long-term prospects in European football. A successful qualification could inspire more support from fans and enhance the teams' reputations on a European stage.