Panathinaikos were held to a 1-1 draw by CSKA 1948 in their Europa Conference League tie after conceding a first half equalizer. Qualification for the play-offs will now be decided next week in Sofia.
The Greek side entered as favorites and pressed early, with Rastoder and Chirivella threatening in the opening minutes. Head coach Jacob Neestrup saw his team control possession, while the Bulgarian side first threatened in the 19th minute through a Meyer shot from the edge of the penalty area that went slightly wide.
Panathinaikos opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Antino delivered a cross from the left and Jagusic scored with a header. Five minutes later, De Vrij came close to doubling the lead with a powerful strike, but goalkeeper Marinov produced an impressive save to concede a corner.
CSKA Equalizer and Second Half Chances
CSKA 1948 leveled the score in the 31st minute after a ball from the right passed through everyone for Rusev to finish from close range. The goal psychologically affected Neestrup's side, and CSKA almost took the lead in the 39th minute when a long-range effort from Maciel flashed just wide.
Panathinaikos started the second half with a chance for Rastoder that went wide, before CSKA missed a major opportunity in the 58th minute. Rusev broke away on a counter-attack into a one-on-one situation, but goalkeeper Pena saved his effort.
Neestrup attempted to alter the game by replacing Pellistri with Taborda in the 60th minute, followed by Cerin and Zaroury coming on for Camara and Antino in the 67th minute. Late in the match, Tsapras and Jagusic were replaced by Katris and Kontouris in the 85th minute, while CSKA brought on Diallo for Iliev in the 66th minute and Franco for Cuellar in the 73rd minute.
The substitutions failed to change the pattern of play, and CSKA came closest to winning in the 82nd minute when Gasevic struck the post with a shot from outside the box.
