This clash of the “eternal rivals” is the standout fixture as both teams fight for a place in the semifinals.

For the second consecutive year, the two sides meet in a knockout phase of the Cup. Last year, they faced off in the Round of 16, with Panathinaikos advancing after a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout win. This year, they meet again in the quarterfinals.

This tie is the final piece in determining the Cup’s last four and who will face AEK in the semifinals. The other quarterfinal features OFI against Asteras. The delay in finalizing this fixture stemmed from Panathinaikos’ postponed matches against Atromitos due to George Baldock’s funeral.

Panathinaikos Starting XI

Lodygin, Kotsiras, Schenkeveld, Ingason, Mladenovic, Cerin, Maksimovic, Bakasetas, Tete, Djuricic, Ioannidis

Olympiakos Starting XI

Paschalakis, Ortega, Pirola, Retsos, Kostinha, Mouzakitis, Stamenic, Ciquinho, Martins, Rodinei, Kostoulas

Key Points and Background

A derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos always attracts attention, but this year’s rivalry has extra weight. Just ten days after this Cup tie (on January 26), they will meet again in the league at Karaiskakis Stadium, where the second leg of the Cup quarterfinal will also take place on February 5.

Panathinaikos enters the match following a surprising 2-2 draw with Panserraikos (despite leading 2-0), which left them four points behind Olympiakos in the Super League title race. The draw also resulted in the suspension of Dragowski for three matches. Coach Rui Vitória will also be without injured players Unai and Jedvaj.

On the other hand, Olympiakos coach José Luis Mendilibar has chosen to rest Tzolakis, while Oliveira remains out of the squad for another game. Despite these absences, Mendilibar doesn’t face major issues and is planning several lineup changes.

Quotes from Rui Vitória

Panathinaikos coach Rui Vitória shared his thoughts:
“We have a big game ahead, and we are delighted that our fans will be present to support us. We know that in matches like these, the atmosphere can be a decisive factor. I love these kinds of games! I believe it’s important for the country to have matches that stand out and capture everyone’s attention.

We have very high expectations for this game. We are confident because we believe we are doing excellent work, and we’ve proven that on the pitch. We will face a very strong team, which has also shown they are in good form. In games like these, details make the difference. I believe that since my players are motivated and eager to play, we will achieve a positive result.”