Europa League Thrills: Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzeň Battle to a Draw, Sigma Olomouc Fights for Equality
The UEFA Europa League delivered a pair of compelling knockout stage playoff first legs on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzeň sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw in Athens, and Sigma Olomouc securing a 1-1 tie against FC Lausanne.
Panathinaikos vs. Viktoria Plzeň: A Back-and-Forth Affair
In a match brimming with attacking intent, Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzeň couldn’t be separated at Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium. Denis Višinský put Viktoria Plzeň ahead early, scoring in the 11th minute. Though, Andreas Tetteh responded for Panathinaikos, leveling the score before halftime. Tetteh then gave the Greek side the lead, but Tomáš Ladra’s 80th-minute strike ensured the tie will be decided in the second leg.
The game saw both teams create opportunities, with Panathinaikos’s Tetteh proving a constant threat. Viktoria Plzeň demonstrated resilience, fighting back from behind twice. The result leaves everything to play for in the return fixture.
Sigma Olomouc and FC Lausanne: A Hard-Fought Contest
Elsewhere, Sigma Olomouc and FC Lausanne played out a 1-1 draw in the Konferenční liga. Nathan Butler-Oyedeji opened the scoring for Lausanne, but Danijel Šturm equalized for Sigma Olomouc, setting the stage for a tense second leg in Switzerland.
Despite a series of chances in the second half, Sigma Olomouc couldn’t secure a winning advantage. The team’s return to European competition after 34 years continues with a challenging away trip.
What This Means for the Teams
For Panathinaikos, the draw presents a tricky but achievable challenge in Plzeň. They will necessitate to replicate their attacking prowess on the road and tighten their defense. Viktoria Plzeň will be confident of progressing, leveraging their away goal advantage and home crowd support.
Sigma Olomouc faces an uphill battle in Lausanne. They will need to improve their finishing and capitalize on their opportunities to stand a chance of reaching the next round.
Looking Ahead: Potential Opponents
The winners of the Panathinaikos-Viktoria Plzeň tie will face either Midtjylland or Betis Sevilla in the Round of 16. Sigma Olomouc’s potential path remains open, dependent on their result in Lausanne.
FAQ
Q: When is the second leg of Panathinaikos vs. Viktoria Plzeň?
A: The second leg will be played in Plzeň in one week’s time.
Q: Where did Sigma Olomouc’s goal come from?
A: Danijel Šturm scored for Sigma Olomouc.
Q: What competition is Sigma Olomouc playing in?
A: Sigma Olomouc is competing in the Konferenční liga.
Q: Who scored for Viktoria Plzeň in the first leg?
A: Denis Višinský and Tomáš Ladra scored for Viktoria Plzeň.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on Andreas Tetteh. His performance for Panathinaikos suggests he could be a key player in the second leg.
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