CSKA 1948 away, everything on the line
Your season kicks into gear Tuesday in Bulgaria. Panathinaikos face CSKA 1948 in the Conference League qualifier, with a playoff spot waiting for the winner (2). The Greek Super League opener against Kifisia is still 12 days away, so all focus is on Europe right now.
Garcia and Desers registered, ready to go
Both Livai Garcia and Desers made the UEFA squad list before the deadline. That means Nistrup has two fresh attacking options available for this tie. Garcia arrives on loan from Spartak Moscow with a purchase option, and his pace could stretch a Bulgarian side that will sit deep.
Injury list is brutal
Ingason is out long-term with a cruciate ligament rupture. Kalabria has a meniscus injury. Pantelidis broke his fibula and will miss six to seven months. Tetey is hospitalized with infectious mononucleosis. Four first-team players gone, and three of them are long-term absences. Nistrup's squad is stretched to the bone.
The Paks tie showed what this team is about
Panathinaikos came through a tough aggregate against Paks. The last competitive match was a 2–2 draw against PAOK in May, a game that showed resilience. The form line reads one draw, but the context matters. Your team knows how to grind out a European result.
