Copenhagen are on the verge of constructing history as a win tonight against Panathinaikos will see them through to the second round of the Champions League. The Danish champions have been one of the most impressive teams in Europe so far this campaign and are keen to carry on their European adventure.
Stale Solbakken's side are currently second in Group D with seven points from five matches. They cannot win the group but a win tonight at the Parken Stadion will ascertain the second place for them even if Rubin Kazan defeat Barcelona at Camp Nou as they are a point clear of the former Russian champions.
Even a draw will be enough as long as Rubin fail to register a win in the other game in the group but Solbakken is taking no chances and wants his side to bag all three points.
"We have to win tomorrow as Barcelona will rest players, increasing the chances of a Rubin Kazan upset," explained Solbakken. "After struggling to play up to our standards in the league following our meeting with Barcelona [the 1-1 draw on Matchday 4] I feel we are back on track and full of confidence.
"The match in Russia against Rubin Kazan [a 1-0 defeat] was the turning point as I feel we produced an excellent display and certainly deserved at least a point. Since then we have looked sharp, been scoring goals and looked organised defensively."
Final Chapter Of Greek Tragedy
Panathinaikos have been eliminated from the Champions League and will finish at the bottom of Group D come what may. With just a couple of points from five games, the Greek champions have been a disaster in Europe this campaign that was epitomised by their 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in Athens on Matchday 5.
However, coach Jesualdo Ferreira is taking this game seriously and wants to bow out in style. The Shamrock are doing quite well in the Greek Super League and are currently level on points with leaders Olympiakos, Which means that they will try to transfer some of that form to Europe.
"A Greek team has never finished last in a Champions League group with only two points and we must do our absolute best to ensure that is not going to happen this year," stressed Ferreira."We have professional pride and will be fighting all the way for victory in Copenhagen.
"And last, but not least, there is a lot of money at stake.''
TEAM NEWS
Copenhagen
Dame N'Doye returned from a groin injury at the weekend and Martin Vingaard and Antonsson have recovered their fitness. Hjalte Norregaard and Martin Bergvold are long-term injury concerns.
Panathinaikos
Giourkas Seitaridis and Sidney Govou have been left behind in Greece and Sebastian Leto remains absent with a knee problem.
Prediction
Panathinaikos have nothing to play for and are demoralised at the moment, which means that this is Copenhagen's game to lose. The Danish champions have looked strong at home and it appears very much likely that they will win tonight and qualify for the second round of the Champions League.
Copenhagen 2-0 Panathinaikos 
