This is not just a result of the win itself, but also because of the goal difference that allows Christos Kontis’ squad to sit atop the group standings, giving them a strong advantage, as goal difference is the first tiebreaker in case of a points tie.

How many points does Panathinaikos need?

Last season, which was the first with the “League Phase” format in the competition, gives us the answer.

Reminder: the top 8 teams advance directly to the Round of 16 in the Europa League, while teams finishing in positions 9 to 24 play each other in the Play-Offs.

Last year, PAOK, Twente, and Fenerbahçe all qualified last with 10 points, while Braga and Elfsborg, who had the same points, were eliminated due to goal difference. Specifically, PAOK had +2, Twente had -1, Fenerbahçe had -2, Braga had -3, and Elfsborg had -5.

Regarding the top eight, Rangers qualified in 8th place last season with 14 points, winning on goal difference over Bodø/Glimt, Anderlecht, and Steaua Bucharest, all of whom had the same point total.

Making the most of the OAKA factor

Looking at Panathinaikos’ schedule in the competition, it is clear that they now hold their fate in their hands—as long as they make the most of playing at home. This doesn’t refer only to the last game against the strong and in-form Roma, but also to the other three home matches.

Go Ahead Eagles, Sturm Graz, and Viktoria Plzeň are theoretically teams Panathinaikos could beat at OAKA. If this happens, it would essentially guarantee qualification to the Play-Offs and keep them alive in the race for something more. Of course, all of this must be proven on the pitch, starting with next Thursday’s match against the Dutch side, who yesterday suffered a home defeat to Steaua Bucharest 1-0.

Panathinaikos’ Europa League schedule

• 2 October, 19:45: Panathinaikos – Go Ahead Eagles
• 23 October, 19:45: Feyenoord – Panathinaikos
• 6 November, 19:45: Malmö – Panathinaikos
• 27 November, 22:00: Panathinaikos – Sturm Graz
• 11 December, 22:00: Panathinaikos – Viktoria Plzeň
• 22 January 2026, 22:00: Ferencváros – Panathinaikos
• 29 January 2026, 22:00: Panathinaikos – Roma