Miguel Angel Corona, the sporting advisor of Panathinaikos, said Real Madrid's Champions League match against AEK Athens would be played in a stunning and extremely fiery atmosphere. GOAL said Panathinaikos sit top of the standings after beating AEK.
Corona on the atmosphere
Corona said: "The atmosphere will be stunning. On nights like these, Greek football can show the rest of Europe that it possesses teams, fans and great passion. The fans will react strongly to the match, and the atmosphere will be extremely fiery."
Corona on AEK's strengths
Corona said: "It is a team with a very fast tempo, whether at the level of the match rhythm or the physical readiness. The two centre-backs are very strong, and its two forwards, if they play together, are difficult to deal with because of their physical strength. But the speed that Real Madrid possesses in the front line could make the difference."
Pineda's absence
Corona said AEK are missing Pineda.
Corona said: "For me, he was the soul of the team. The basic structure of the team is still almost the same, with two centre-backs who possess great strength, and two forwards who possess enormous physical abilities, such as Jovic, who has found his suitable place, and Vargas, but the holding midfielder was an extremely important element in the team's way of working. I think they feel his absence a great deal."
Watching from the stands
Corona said he hopes to watch the match from the stands.
