On October 24, 2024, Chelsea will face Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. This match marks an important moment for both teams as they continue their campaigns in this European competition.
Match Preview
Chelsea enters this match after a strong start in the group stage, having secured a 4-2 victory against Gent in their opening match. Currently, they sit sixth in the 36-team league, with aspirations to finish in the top eight to advance directly to the Round of 16. Despite a recent defeat to Liverpool, Chelsea had been on a seven-match unbeaten streak prior to that loss, making this game a perfect opportunity to regain momentum [1].
Key Details:
- Date/Time: October 24, 2024, at 17:45 BST (12:45 PM EDT)
- Venue: Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece
- Referee: António Nobre
- Broadcast: TNT Sports 1 (UK), Sony TEN 5 (India), streaming on discovery+ (UK) and Paramount+ (USA) [1][2].
Team News
Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos, one of Greece’s most storied clubs, has had a mixed start to their season. They finished fourth in the Super League last season and won the Greek Cup, but currently sit sixth in the league with only three wins from eight matches. In European competition, they struggled in the qualifying rounds but managed to draw their opening Conference League match against Borac Banja Luka [1][2].
The team is dealing with the emotional impact of the recent passing of George Baldock, a player who joined the club this summer. This match will be their first home game since this tragic event, adding an emotional layer to the encounter. Key players to watch include Slovenia international Andraž Šporar, who is expected to be a significant goal threat [1].
Chelsea
Chelsea arrives in Athens with a clean bill of health, a rarity for the club. Goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen is fit to play after recovering from a concussion. The squad will feature a mix of experienced players and younger talents, as several key players have been left behind for this match. Notable absentees include Moisés Caicedo, Reece James, and Nicolas Jackson, who are all undergoing workload management or are ineligible for this phase of the competition [1][2][3].
Historical Context
This match is particularly interesting as it marks the first competitive meeting between Chelsea and Panathinaikos. Historically, Chelsea has performed well against Greek teams, having reached the finals of European competitions every time they faced Greek opposition in the past. They have never lost on Greek soil, which adds to their confidence going into this match [2].
Conclusion
As Chelsea looks to build on their early success in the Conference League, they will face a determined Panathinaikos side eager to make a statement in front of their home fans. The emotional backdrop of the match, combined with the historical context, promises to make this an intriguing encounter.
