Panathinaikos took a significant step towards qualification with a 3-2 victory over Fiorentina on Thursday evening in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16. Two Moroccan internationals were starters: Azzedine Ounahi for the Greek side and Amir Richardson for Fiorentina.
Positioned in the heart of the Panathinaikos midfield, Azzedine Ounahi played the full match, showcasing his technical precision and vision. The former Marseille player was a key figure in his team’s offensive play, helping maintain pressure on the Italian defense.
On the other side, Amir Richardson was also in the starting lineup for Fiorentina. Positioned in midfield, he tried to bring physicality to the game but was substituted in the 59th minute with his team trailing 3-2.
Panathinaikos quickly took the lead thanks to goals from Karol Świderski (5’) and Nikola Maksimović (19’), capitalizing on a difficult start for Fiorentina. However, the Italians responded swiftly with goals from Lucas Beltrán (20’) and Nicolò Fagioli (23’), equalizing before the break.
In the second half, Panathinaikos regained the lead through a goal from Tetê (55’), sealing the win. Despite having more possession, Fiorentina failed to get back into the game.
With this victory, Ounahi’s Panathinaikos has one foot in the next round before the return leg in Florence. Richardson’s Fiorentina will need to win at home to keep their European hopes alive.
