Panathinaikos 2-1 Borac Banja Luka: Athens giants edge hard-fought Conference League opener

Panathinaikos opened their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Borac Banja Luka at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, but the Greek side were made to work far harder than the pre-match odds suggested. A lively, committed Borac performance pushed the home team all the way, and it took a second-half goal to finally settle a contest that was never fully under control.

The win gives Panathinaikos a precious three points in the league-phase table, while Borac leave Athens with the consolation of a spirited display and a valuable away goal that keeps their goal difference respectable.

Match overview

Panathinaikos began brightly, moving the ball quickly through midfield and looking to isolate their wide players one-on-one against Borac's full-backs. The opener arrived inside the first 20 minutes, a reward for sustained early pressure and a well-timed run into the box.

Borac, however, refused to fold. The visitors grew into the game, pressing higher and forcing Panathinaikos into hurried clearances. Their persistence was rewarded before the break with an equaliser that momentarily silenced the home crowd and changed the mood of the match.

Key moments

• 17' – Panathinaikos take the lead: A quick exchange on the edge of the box opens up space, and a low strike finds the bottom corner.
• 39' – Borac equalise: A well-worked move down the right ends with a near-post finish that beats the goalkeeper.
• 55' – Big save at the other end: Borac's goalkeeper tips a rising shot over the bar as Panathinaikos turn up the pressure.
• 69' – Panathinaikos restore the lead: A driven cross from the left is turned in at the back post to make it 2-1.
• 87' – Late scare: Borac send a header narrowly over from a corner as they chase a second equaliser.

Tactical story

Panathinaikos's attacking plan was built on overloads in wide areas and late runs from midfield. Their full-backs pushed high to pin Borac's wide players back, allowing the Greek side's wingers to drift inside and combine with the striker. The winning goal came from exactly this pattern: a stretched defence, a cross delivered with pace, and a runner arriving unmarked at the far post.

Borac's response was admirable. They defended narrow, forced Panathinaikos to play around them rather than through them, and used direct counter-attacks to relieve pressure. Their equaliser came from a deliberate switch of play that caught Panathinaikos's midfield out of position, and they continued to threaten from set-pieces until the final whistle.

Standout performers

Panathinaikos's wide forwards were the difference-makers, combining slickly and stretching Borac's back line throughout. The central midfielder who dictated the tempo was also influential, repeatedly finding pockets of space between the lines and linking defence to attack.

For Borac Banja Luka, the goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance, making several saves that kept the scoreline close. Their captain led by example in midfield, winning tackles and driving the team forward on the counter.

What it means

The three points put Panathinaikos in a solid early position in the Conference League league phase, although the narrow margin underlines how competitive this format can be. Borac, despite the defeat, showed enough to suggest they can pick up points at home and remain in the hunt for a knockout-round place.

For Panathinaikos, the message is clear: the quality is there, but tougher tests lie ahead, and converting dominance into comfortable scorelines will be essential if they are to go deep in this competition.