Panathinaikos held AS Roma to a goalless draw in Athens on 29 January 2026, leaving UEFA Europa League Group E wide open. Both sides created chances but failed to convert, keeping the Greeks on 7 points and the Italians on 9 as the race for the top two spots intensifies in the competition.
Match Overview
The encounter took place at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium under a crisp winter sky. Panathinaikos deployed a 4‑3‑3 focused on wing play, while Roma lined up in a balanced 4‑2‑3‑1, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses. The match ended 0‑0 after a tightly contested 90 minutes.
Key Moments
In the 23rd minute Roma’s forward Nicolò Zaniolo received a low cross from Lorenzo Pellegrini and curled a shot just wide of the post. Panathinaikos responded quickly; veteran striker Kostas Mitsopoulos headed a cross that rattled the cross‑bar in the 31st minute. The first half concluded without a goal.
The second half saw increased intensity. Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante attempted a long‑range effort in the 52nd minute, only to be denied by Panathinaikos goalkeeper Sokratis Papadopoulos, whose reflex save was described as world‑class. Ten minutes later Panathinaikos earned a corner; defender Milan Bojović headed the ball away, but Mitsopoulos forced another save from Roma’s keeper Alisson Ribeiro.
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Late in the game both coaches made tactical tweaks. Mourinho introduced a fresh attacking midfielder for Roma, while Jovanović brought on pace‑youth Giannis Katsaros to stretch the flanks. Despite a flurry of chances in the final minutes, neither side could break the deadlock.
Statistical Snapshot
- Possession: Roma 54 % – Panathinaikos 46 %
- Shots on target: Roma 4 – Panathinaikos 3
- Corners: Roma 6 – Panathinaikos 5
- Fouls: Roma 12 – Panathinaikos 14
Group Context
Panathinaikos entered the match third in the Super League Greece and held 7 points after two wins and a draw in Group E. A victory would have moved them to the top, but the stalemate keeps the race tight. Roma, with three wins from four matches, sit second in the group on 9 points, just one ahead of the Greeks.
Implications for the Group Stage
The draw leaves Group E highly competitive. Porto leads with 10 points after a 2‑0 win over Copenhagen, while Roma’s 9 points maintain a slim advantage over Panathinaikos. The Greeks must secure a win in their final group match against Porto to keep Champions League hopes alive, whereas Roma will aim for a win against Copenhagen to cement a top‑two finish.
Broadcast and Streaming
The match was broadcast live across television and online platforms, reaching a peak concurrent viewership of approximately 1.2 million fans throughout Europe.
Looking Ahead
Panathinaikos will host Porto on 13 February, a decisive fixture for their European destiny. Roma travels to Copenhagen on the same date, seeking to maintain their narrow lead. As the Europa League moves toward the knockout phase, every point becomes crucial in the tactical battle between Jovanović and Mourinho.
