Panathinaikos thought that they were up for a shock win at Camp Nou in Barcelona a fortnight ago when they took the lead against the 2009 Champions League winners but didn't realise what was going to hit them. Lionel Messi turned on the style and destroyed the Greek champions as the Catalans registered a 5-1 victory - arguably the most impressive on Matchday One.
However, Panathinaikos are doing will in the domestic arena as they are just a point behind leaders and arch-rivals Olympiacos in second place. The Shamrock warmed up to their match against Danish champions Copenhagen on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 win against Panionios at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium.
Panathinaikos are a tough nut to crack at home and will be under pressure to garner maximum points against Copenhagen.
Going Strong
Danish champions Copenhagen have commenced the 2010-11 campaign very well, both in the domestic front and in Europe. The Lions defeated championship rivals FC Midtjylland at the weekend to go seven points clear of them at the top of the Superliga. Stale Solbakken's side also defeated Rubin Kazan 1-0 on Mtchday One to start their Champions League adventure on a winning note.
Solbakken is hopeful of a win in Greece on Wednesday but realises that it is not going to be easy. "We're managing to play at a consistent high level week after week, and if we can continue the streak we will be hard to beat. There'll come times of crisis but so far we've got enough extra energy for the European matches."
Three seasons back Panathinaikos and Copenhagen met in a UEFA Cup group match. At the time the Greeks won 1-0, thanks to a goal from Dame N'Doye, who is now on the Danish side's roster.
TEAM NEWS
Panathinaikos
Sidney Govou strained his right thigh on Sunday during training and is out of the match. Cedric Kante broke his finger during their domestic game at the weekend and has been ruled out as well.
Nikos Spyropoulos is struggling with a knee problem and Giourkas Seitaridis has problems with his quadriceps. Lazaros Christodoulopoulos has recovered from a foot injury and has started to train but Antonis Petropoulos is out with a groin complain.
Copenhagen
Christian Bolanos has recovered from an ankle problem but Solvi Ottesen is out with a broken arm. Martin Bergvold and Morten Nordstrand are long-term injury concerns.
Prediction
It promises to be a very interesting match and is difficult to call. Panathinaikos should fancy a win as they have home advantage but Copenhagen are on a great run of form. A single goal is likely to settle the outcome.
Panathinaikos 1-0 Copenhagen 
