Asteras Tripoli F.C.

 Panathinaikos loses at home to Dinamo Moscow

By George Georgakopoulos

Greek teams produced a patchy record on the opening night of the Europa League group stage on Thursday, as PAOK thrashed Dynamo Minsk, Asteras Tripolis snatched a draw at Besiktas and Panathinaikos lost at home to Dynamo Moscow.

As the Europa League starts its 48-team group phase on Sept. 18, Turkey’s Beşiktaş is preparing to host Asteras Tripoli, a first ever Greek match-up for the Istanbul side.

Following Thursday night’s high, when all three Greek teams competing in the Europa League made it into the group stage of the competition, a harsh reality struck Friday as they found out who they will be facing next.

There was a triple success for Greek soccer on Thursday as PAOK, Panathinaikos and Asteras Tripolis made it through to the Europa League group stage.

PAOK had a challenging task after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of its playoff tie to Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova. But the Thessaloniki side made light work of its visitors, winning Thursday's match 4-0.

Thursday proved a very productive night for two of the three Greek teams performing in the Europa League as Panathinaikos and Asteras Tripolis secured vital wins in the first legs of their playoff ties.

Asteras Tripolis sprung a surprise in the Europa League on Thursday, beating German side Mainz 3-1 to advance from the third qualifying round.

The side from the Peloponnese had lost the away leg 1-0 but managed to turn the score around at the Theodoros Kolokotronis stadium.

By George Georgakopoulos

Greece had a hit and a miss in the first-leg games for the third qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday, as Atromitos scored a 2-1 win at Sarajevo while Asteras Tripolis lost 1-0 at Mainz.

By George Georgakopoulos

Panathinaikos got the upper hand in the battle for entry to the Champions League playoffs after snatching a goalless draw at Standard Liege on Wednesday.

If anything, the Greek cup holders missed a great chance to score an away win that would have seen them all but through to the last stage before the Champions League groups.

By George Georgakopoulos

PAOK earned the second spot in the Super League play-offs that leads to the playoffs of the Europa League in August as it beat Panathinaikos 1-0 on Saturday in the last round of games of the mini-league.

By George Georgakopoulos

The Super League play-offs is a four-team round-robin tournament that Panathinaikos wins. Even in this season of austerity for the club.