Panathinaikos draws 1-1 with CSKA Sofia in Conference League qualifier

Panathinaikos CSKA Sofia Conference League 1-1 draw second leg

Panathinaikos hosted CSKA Sofia at the OAKA on 5 August in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The Greek side took the lead in the 21st minute when Giakouzis headed in a cross from Andino, but the visitors equalised ten minutes later through Rusev’s close‑range finish.

Both teams will meet again in Sofia for the decisive second leg, where a win will secure a place in the league‑phase playoffs. Panathinaikos coach Jacek Nistor criticised the defensive lapses that allowed the equaliser and warned that the squad must improve its finishing and protect second‑ball situations. The club also faces personnel issues: defender Tsapras received a yellow card that will suspend him for the return match, and midfielder Andre Tette is out with a muscle injury.

The draw follows Panathinaikos’ recent 2‑1 away victory over Paks in the previous qualifying round, keeping their European campaign alive but leaving the outcome of the tie still undecided.

Entities

Adriano Giakousti · Adriano Jagušić · CSKA 1948 Sofia · CSKA Sofia · CSKA Sofia (CSKA 1948) · Georgi Rusev · Giacob Nistrup · Giakougi · Giakoumb Nistreu · Giakoumb Nistrup · Giakousti · Giakouzis

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Elmin Rastonder is expected to start as striker in Tettei’s absence. www.in.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] Panathinaikos will host TSSKA 1948 at OAKA on 5 August 2026 for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. www.neoiorizontes.gr · www.in.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Coach Giakop Nistrup said Panathinaikos are favourites but the opponents are difficult in Europe. www.ethnos.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] The match will be broadcast live on SKAI at 21:30. gipedo.politis.com.cy
[● 2 SOURCES] If Panathinaikos qualify, they will face the loser of the Chrandek Kralove‑Besiktas tie in the playoffs. difernews.gr · balla.com.cy
[○ 1 SOURCE] Panathinaikos could earn a €175 000 bonus for each qualifying‑round win and at least €3.17 million if it reaches the league phase.
[● 3 SOURCES] The winner of the tie will advance to the Conference League playoffs. www.neoiorizontes.gr · difernews.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] Andras Tettei is unavailable for the match because of infectious mononucleosis. www.ieidiseis.gr
[● 8 SOURCES] Goalkeeper Penia made crucial saves at the 58th and 81st minutes. www.tanea.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · thriassio.gr · www.mikriliga.com · www.madata.gr · +1 more
[DISPUTED] Giakouzis scored the opening goal for Panathinaikos in the 21st minute. www.tanea.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · thriassio.gr · www.mikriliga.com · www.madata.gr · +1 more
[DISPUTED] Panathinaikos and CSKA 1948 played a match at OAKA that ended 1‑1. www.tanea.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · thriassio.gr · www.mikriliga.com · www.madata.gr · +1 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Rusev scored the equaliser for CSKA 1948 in the 31st minute. www.tanea.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · thriassio.gr · www.mikriliga.com · www.madata.gr · +1 more