Panathinaikos Athens vs SC Braga Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 28/08/2023, 03:45  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 29/08/2023 at 07:00 in Champions League Prediction

Sporting Braga will carry a slim advantage to their return leg Champions League playoff clash away to Panathinaikos on Tuesday. The Portuguese side will be out to protect a 2-1 lead from the first leg. Greek giants Panathinaikos have their work cut out, needing a win by two goals to progress to the group stages. They had a good prep for this game with a 3-0 win over Volos FC domestically. Having seen off French side Marseille in the last round, Panathinaikos will feel capable of progressing here. Their scoring run is good, averaging a goal in each of their last five matches, and that should work well here. In three of their last five matches, Panathinaikos have scored two or more goals. Four of their last five matches have had over 2.5 goals and they’ve won three of the last four games. This match finds Panathinaikos on two straight wins at home, both with clean sheets. They’ve played three home matches this season and are unbeaten. Panathinaikos also have two wins in three home matches in the Champions League.

Braga are making a return to the Champions League after 11 years out. They hope to have a big impact this time, and they are 90 minutes away from reaching the group stages. In the first leg, Abel Ruiz and Alvaro Djalo gave them a second half lead. However, Daniel Mancini pulled one back late to give Panathinaikos some home. A draw of any kind here will give Braga the ticket to the group stages. They come confident after bagging three straight wins but will be concerned about their defending. In the last four matches, Braga haven't managed a clean sheet, with both teams scoring. Braga have however scored in each of their last five matches, which have all produced over 2.5 goals. They eliminated Serbian side TSC in the last round and will be targeting the same here. Already this season, they have played two away games, and won both.