Panathinaikos 2-1 Borac Banja Luka: Late Winner Seals UEFA Europa Conference League Victory

Panathinaikos secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Borac Banja Luka in the UEFA Europa Conference League on October 16, 2026, with a late goal at the Athens Olympic Stadium. The Greek giants had to dig deep after being pegged back, but their persistence eventually paid off in front of a passionate home crowd.

The match was a test of patience and nerve. Panathinaikos controlled possession and created the better opportunities, yet Borac's stubborn defending and a well-taken equaliser threatened to spoil the night. In the end, the home side's quality in the final third made the difference.

Match Overview

Panathinaikos started on the front foot, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Their 4-3-3 shape allowed the full-backs to push forward, creating overloads on the flanks. Borac responded with a compact 4-2-3-1, looking to deny space between the lines and hit on the counter.

The opener came midway through the first half, rewarding Panathinaikos for their early dominance. Borac, however, grew into the game and equalised after the break with a well-executed move. Just when it seemed the visitors might hold on for a point, Panathinaikos found a late winner.

Key Moments

• 27′ – Panathinaikos take the lead: Fotis Ioannidis found space in the box and finished confidently after a neat exchange on the edge of the area.
• 63′ – Borac equalise: A quick counter-attack caught Panathinaikos exposed, and a low cross was converted at the back post to make it 1-1.
• 78′ – Bakasetas goes close: The Panathinaikos captain curled a free-kick just over the crossbar as the pressure mounted.
• 84′ – Panathinaikos win it: A late surge ended with a composed finish from inside the box, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Tactical Story

Panathinaikos' main challenge was breaking down Borac's deep defensive block. The visitors defended narrow, forcing the Greek side to play wide and cross. Panathinaikos improved after the break by increasing the tempo and using runners from midfield to attack the box.

Borac's game plan worked for long periods. They limited clear chances and looked dangerous on the break, especially when Panathinaikos's full-backs were high. But the late pressure told, and the home side's substitutions added fresh energy in the final 20 minutes.

Standout Players

Ioannidis led the line with intelligence and took his goal well. Tasos Bakasetas dictated the tempo and was unlucky not to score from a set piece. For Borac, the goalkeeper kept them in the match with several saves, while their counter-attacking forwards caused problems throughout.

Conference League Table Impact

The three points lift Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa Conference League league phase standings and give them momentum in the race for knockout qualification. Borac, despite the defeat, showed they can compete and will take confidence from a disciplined away performance. The Greek side's next fixture now becomes a chance to build a run.