Panathinaikos vs Braga Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

19:00
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Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium

Panathinaikos

Braga

TNT Sports 2

Braga Draw No Bet

Reason for tip

Panathinaikos’ 12-game unbeaten run at home looks impressive on paper but masks a few flaws in the Greek’s set-up and Braga, who deservedly lead 2-1 after the first leg, may have what it takes to avoid defeat in Athens. Panathinaikos’ play-off record is patchy, while the Portuguese arrive on the back on three straight wins.

11/10odds when tipped

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Braga 1-0

Reason for tip

Braga kept Panathinaikos at arms’ reach for the majority of the first leg of the play-off tie until a late consolation goal but may be able to see out the full 90 minutes on this occasion. The Greeks have failed to score in three of their four home games against Portuguese opponents and may come up short again.

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Braga have won four of their five matches in all competitions this season
Panathinaikos have won only two of their last eight European home games
The Greeks have failed to score in three of their previous four home meetings with Portuguese opponents

No end in sight to Panathinaikos’ Euro pain

Daniel Mancini’s injury-time strike has boosted Panathinaikos’ belief they can return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2010/11, but those banking on the Greek’s home form to carry them through may be disappointed.

Braga hold a 2-1 lead in the play-off tie thanks to goals from Abel Ruiz and Alvaro Djalo, the Portuguese making their dominance count in the second half to claim a deserved two-goal lead, only for Mancini to keep Ivan Jovanovic’s men in the contest.

And the Greens are now favourites to win the second leg and make the last 32 thanks largely to a 12-game unbeaten run at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium.

However, a closer look at that run reveals six draws, while both Dnipro and Marseille had a man sent off in their Champions League qualifying contests in Athens. Dnipro still came away with a 2-2 draw, which would be good enough to send Braga through in this instance.

Panathinaikos’ recent record at home in Europe also doesn’t inspire confidence, while they’ve failed to make the Champions League group stage in their last four attempts.

Braga worth backing to advance

Braga are bidding to end an 11-year wait to return to the group stage of Europe’s top competition and breezed through the away leg of their previous qualifying tie against Serbia’s TSC, winning 4-1.

They’ve lost just one of their last eight away games in all competitions and the competent travellers had the weekend off to prepare for this return leg, unlike Panathinaikos,

Braga have advanced from both their previous Champions League play-off ties and with a record of played six, won five against Greek opponents, there’s reason to believe they can claim a win in Athens, while keeping the draw on side.