Ferencvaros vs Panathinaikos

The Groupama Aréna in Budapest is set for a high-stakes clash today, Thursday, January 22, 2026, as Ferencváros welcomes Panathinaikos. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 21:00 local).

This Matchday 7 fixture features two teams in the thick of the knockout race. Ferencváros is one of only three teams remaining unbeaten in the competition, currently sitting in 6th place (14 points). A win tonight would virtually secure their direct entry into the Round of 16. Panathinaikos, under the guidance of Rafael Benítez, sits in 15th place (10 points) and is fighting to cement a seeded play-off spot.

Match Information

Ferencváros: Keane’s Unbeaten Run

Managed by Robbie Keane, the Hungarian champions have been the "dark horse" of the tournament. They enter this fixture fresh off a winter break, having not played a competitive match since their 2–1 victory over Rangers in mid-December. Keane has instilled a high-efficiency attacking style that has seen them go unbeaten through the first six matchdays (4W, 2D).

Team News and Selection:

• Key Absence: Habib Maïga is the only significant injury concern for the hosts.

• Transfer Talk: Midfielder Mátyás Tóth is available despite a reported agreement for a move to Bournemouth in the coming days.

• Goal Threat: Barnabás Varga leads the line with 4 goals in the competition, supported by the creative output of Bamidele Yusuf.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Gróf; Makreckis, Cissé, Raemaekers, Szalai; Ötvös, Romão; Yusuf, Kanichowsky, O'Dowda; Varga.

Panathinaikos: The Benítez Effect

Since Rafael Benítez took over in late October, the Greek giants have found a new level of defensive organization, taking 7 points from their last three European outings. However, they arrive in Budapest looking to rebuild confidence after a bruising 4–0 domestic loss to AEK Athens over the weekend. Benítez will be facing his former player, Robbie Keane, in a fascinating managerial chess match.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Woes: The visitors are missing creative midfielder Filip Djuricic and striker Cyriel Dessers, both ruled out with muscle injuries.

• The "Bakasetas" Threat: Anastasios Bakasetas has been in prolific form, scoring four goals in his last four appearances across all competitions.

• Defensive Stability: Davide Calabria and Sverrir Ingason will be tasked with containing the physical threat of Varga.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Lafont; Calabria, Ingason, Palmer-Brown, Touba; Siopis, Chirivella, Čerin; Tetê, Świderski, Bakasetas.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Historical Context

• Rare Meeting: This is the first competitive meeting between these two sides in 60 years. Their only previous encounter was in the 1965/66 European Cup, where Ferencváros progressed (W1, D1).

• Home Fortress: Ferencváros is currently on a 7-match unbeaten streak in European home games (6 wins, 1 draw).

• Away Improvement: Historically poor on the road, Panathinaikos has found their travel legs this season, winning two of their three away trips in the league phase.

• Discipline: Ferencváros has committed the third-most fouls in the competition (94), highlighting their aggressive pressing style under Keane.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This match pits Ferencváros’s high-pressure, high-conversion attack against Benítez’s disciplined defensive structure. The "winter break factor" is the big unknown; Ferencváros may be well-rested but could lack the competitive sharpness of a Panathinaikos side that has been playing high-intensity league matches throughout January.

However, the atmosphere at the Groupama Aréna is notoriously difficult for visiting teams. If Varga and Bakasetas both find their range, we could be in for a high-scoring draw that serves both teams' ambitions for the knockout stages.

Final Score Prediction: Ferencváros 1–1 Panathinaikos