Panathinaikos endured a strange and challenging match in Helsinki, playing under freezing conditions and ultimately suffering a 2-1 defeat.

Vikingur, accustomed to the harsh weather, made the most of their limited chances, converting their only two real opportunities to secure the win. Despite this, Panathinaikos was the stronger side throughout the game but struggled due to the absence of two key players—captain Bakasetas and Palmer-Brown. They managed to keep the match competitive until a last-minute penalty from Ioannidis gave them a crucial lifeline heading into the second leg.

At home, Panathinaikos is a completely different force. They are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, and in the Europa League group stage, they secured dominant wins—4-0 against Dinamo Minsk and 1-0 against HJK—without conceding a single goal.

Meanwhile, Vikingur has not been convincing away from home. In the Conference League group stage, they played three away matches, drawing twice and losing once, with a goal difference of 1:5. Given these factors, Panathinaikos is well-positioned to turn the tie around and take control on home soil.