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Benitez's Plan for Panathinaikos Against Betis

Published March 17, 2026, 08:21
Benitez's Plan for Panathinaikos Against Betis

Rafa Benitez is devising his plans for Panathinaikos's Europa League return leg against Betis. The Spanish coach is expected to maintain the successful system with a three-man defense, with Lafont in goal and Ingason and Katris as center-backs. Kalambria and Kyriakopoulos will play as right and left wing-backs, while Renato and Tsirin are expected to start in midfield. In attack, Tetey will be at the top, flanked by Tambourda and Pelistri, although Bakasetas is also an option. Panathinaikos has a 1-0 lead from the first leg and aims to reach the quarter-finals. Benitez has refreshed his key players in the match against Panaitolikos, and does not face major problems other than the absences of Zarouri and Palmer-Brown. The team is in good shape and has shown it can score easily, having scored 63 goals this season. Benitez is expected to have more options after the break, as Masouras and Oundabanga are picking up pace, while Semedo will be more ready for the match against Aris. The team has become accustomed to scoring five goals, having scored five goals four times in matches this season.