The Derby of Eternal Enemies, Greek Cup Edition! | OneFootball

Match Preview: Panathinaikos vs. Olympiacos - Greek Cup Quarter-final, First Leg

The Greek Cup quarter-finals bring us yet another installment of the iconic Derby of Eternal Enemies, as Olympiacos travels to the Olympic Stadium (OAKA) to face Panathinaikos in the first leg. For Olympiacos, this match offers a chance to continue their dominant domestic form and take a crucial step toward Cup glory, while simultaneously ending a frustrating winless streak in enemy territory.

Current Form and League Standings

Olympiacos, under head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, sits at the summit of the Super League Greece table with a three-point cushion over their nearest rivals. Their consistent performances have highlighted their title credentials, and confidence within the squad is high even despite a lack of efficiency in the final third.

Meanwhile, Panathinaikos has stumbled in recent weeks, dropping to third after a disappointing draw against Panserraikos while finishing the match with 10 men. This slight dip in form gives Olympiacos an opportunity to exploit their rivals' uncertainties, though the atmosphere at OAKA will make it a challenging environment.

Recent Head-to-Head

Olympiacos has found victories against Panathinaikos hard to come by in recent years. They last defeated their eternal rivals in May 2023 and have not secured an away win since May 2021. The weight of history looms large, but with their current form and Mendilibar's tactical nous, Olympiacos will be eager to rewrite the narrative.

This is the second of six scheduled derbies this season, making the stakes even higher as both sides jockey for supremacy. Panathinaikos in particular are defending Greek Cup champions.

· Ayoub El Kaabi: The league's leading goalscorer has been a revelation for Olympiacos, providing the clinical edge needed in big matches. His ability to find the back of the net in tight situations will be pivotal in breaking through Panathinaikos' defence. Even in poor form, El Kaabi represents the best goal threat for Olympiacos. He had a goal disallowed in the most recent match against Aris by VAR.

· Charalambos Kostoulas: The 17-year-old wonderkid is the talk of Greece after his recent two-goal performance. His fearless approach and technical brilliance make him a wildcard who could shine in the high-pressure derby atmosphere.

· Gelson Martins: The experienced Portuguese winger brings pace, flair, and creativity to Olympiacos' attack. His ability to stretch defenses and deliver decisive crosses will be vital in creating chances for El Kaabi and Kostoulas.

Tactical Approach

Mendilibar’s tactics will remain the same. The team will continue to focus its transitions to the flanks and deliver crosses into the penalty area. Mendilibar will be hoping that Panathinaikos will approach this match more openly so that Olympiacos will can exploit Panathinaikos' midfield in the press trap and counter quickly. If the Greens chooses to block lower and keep a condensed shape, it will give Olympiacos trouble as it has faced in lower sides all season.

Defensively, Olympiacos must stay disciplined, especially in set-piece situations, and manage Panathinaikos' counterattacks, which could pose a threat given their home support.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate goal of advancing to the semi-finals, this match holds immense symbolic importance. A victory at OAKA would not only boost Olympiacos' chances in the Cup but also deliver a psychological blow to Panathinaikos as the season's grueling schedule of derbies continues. Panathinaikos has another derby in the league this coming weekend against AEK.

Prediction

Olympiacos comes into the match in better form, but the Derby of Eternal Enemies is often unpredictable. With the quality of players like El Kaabi, Kostoulas, and Martins, Olympiacos has the firepower to claim a vital first-leg result. However, the hostile environment and Panathinaikos' desperation to bounce back will ensure a fiercely contested encounter.

Will Mendilibar’s Olympiacos end their away drought and take a decisive step forward in the Greek Cup? Fans on both sides will anxiously await the answer in this high-stakes battle.