"There is a balance between Panathinaikos and Dnipro 1" - Panathinaikos head coach on Champions League draw

The head coach of Greek Panathinaikos Ivan Jovanovic has shared his reaction to yesterday's draw of the 2nd qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, which pitted his side against Dnipro 1 at this stage of the tournament.

"There are no easy opponents in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League anymore. Like us, our potential opponents fought to the end to win the championship in their country. The fact that Dnipro 1 fought Shakhtar till the end speaks volumes about our opponents' abilities.

I expect two tough games with Dnipro 1, because I think there is a balance between our teams.

Last season, Dnipro 1 played in Europe, having played only a number of charity and control matches before that because of the war and the disruption of the second part of the Ukrainian championship for that reason. But this year Dnipro 1 has already had a full season, so now the team will appear much stronger and of higher quality.

"Dnipro 1 is a very good team, and it certainly commands our respect. At the same time, however, our goal is to show ourselves in these matches with the highest possible degree of readiness," Panathinaikos official website quotes Jovanovic as saying.

As you may recall, the first matches of the 2nd qualifying round will be held on July 25 and 26, while the return matches will be held on August 1 and 2. "Dnipro 1 will play the first leg against Panathinaikos on home soil.