Greek journalists write that Panathinaikos' victory was easy, and the final result indicates that the Greek club should have no problems reaching the next round, where Marseille will be waiting for them. "Dnipro-1 played poorly and was unable to put up a decent fight against Panathinaikos. This is the Greek club's first European Cup victory in 2182 days, and everyone is happy that it was so convincing.
SDNA
"The first European victory in 2182," the SDNA journalist emphasises that Panathinaikos is successfully returning to European Cup tournaments, in which it has not played for a long time. The victory over Dnipro-1 should ensure the Greek club's participation in the group stage, and it remains to be seen which one.
"Panathinaikos returned to European victories after 5 years, 11 months and 22 days! The calendar was pointing to 3 August 2017, when a completely different Panathinaikos team with Marino Uzounidis beat Gabala 2-1 in Baku thanks to goals from Lund and Campesas to secure a place in the Europa League play-offs.
This was the Shamrocks' last European victory, as they were defeated in their next two European games against Athletic Bilbao, and last year, on their return to Europe after a five-year absence, they suffered two defeats at the hands of Slavia Prague.
This 1-3 triumph in Kosice over Dnipro-1 is likely to secure Panathinaikos a return to the group stages (Champions League or Europa League) in what would be their first European victory in 2182 days, or 5 years, 11 months and 22 days if you prefer."
Sport24
"The Shamrocks have paved the way for qualification," the Sport24 journalist is confident that Panathinaikos will not squander such a solid lead and will prove their superiority in the return leg. This means that the Greek club can already think about the group stage, but most likely it will be the Europa League.
"Panathinaikos laid the groundwork for the next stage of the Champions League, where they will face Marseille, and secured a place in the group stage, either the Champions League or the Europa League, on Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over Dnipro-1 away from home.
"The Greens scored a quick goal through Sporar to open the scoring for Panathinaikos and put them in front. In the second half, they managed to score two more goals and it seemed that the match would end with a confident victory for the visitors. Had Panathinaikos maintained its 3-0 lead until the final whistle, there would have been no black mark to criticise the team for. However, the goal they conceded in stoppage time and the overall performance of the defence in the final minutes is something the Greens should pay attention to."
Nova Sports
"Panathinaikos is back!" - the journalist of the Nova Sports website believes that the Greek club may already be thinking about Marseille, as Dnipro-1 proved to be a weak opponent and will not be able to get back at them in the return leg in Greece. He also notes that the fans have long been waiting for such a confident performance in European Cup tournaments, and the victory over the Ukrainians has actually given them a place in the group round of the Champions League or Europa League.
"Ivan Jovanovic's team beat Dnipro 3-1 with a very convincing performance in Slovakia, in the first game between them in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, and is now in the next stage with both feet, where Marseille is waiting for them.
"In their return to the qualifying matches of the top club tournament after 8 years, the Greens showed how much they wanted it and managed to advance to the next stage from the very first match. At the same time, they are close to securing their presence in the European competition groups in 6 years' time.
The first 45 minutes went perfectly for Ivan Jovanovic's team, as in addition to being able to fully control the tempo, they were lucky to take the lead very early on, while keeping the opponent away from the Brignoli goal.
The match started with the best of signs for Panathinaikos as they opened the scoring in the 10th minute. After some great work by Juancar, who crossed for Sporar, who slotted the ball into the net.
The quick goal filled Jovanović's players with confidence and extra energy, who could have scored the second goal, but the chances of Kotsiras and Palacios went unused.
Even so, Panathinaikos managed to take control of the match. With the exception of two weak shots in response when Dovbyk tried to score, Brignoli played the role of a spectator.
"The Greens won the battle for the centre, moved the ball well despite the sometimes suffocating pressure of the Ukrainians, and went into the locker room at the break with an advantage. The only dark spot was Schenkefeld's injury in the 20th minute.
The beginning of the second half was completely different for Panathinaikos. On the one hand, Dnipro-1 played stronger and threatened Sarapiy and Hutsulyak twice in a minute, while on the other hand, Jovanovic's players were very nervous. Mistakes, especially in the centre of the pitch, gave the Ukrainians the opportunity to take the initiative.
A situation that Ivan Jovanovic clearly didn't like, as the Serb was constantly making comments to his players. The first good moment for the visitors in the second half came in the 58th minute, but Villena did not take advantage of the good opportunity.
"Panathinaikos looked nothing like the team of the first half. All this happened until the 72nd minute and Dnipro-1's last great chance. "Shamrock took advantage of the free zones left by the Ukrainians and doubled their lead in the 74th minute. Juankar passed to Djuric, and the Serbian made it 0-2 with a stunning shot from the halfway line.
Jovanović's team laid the groundwork for qualification, but they didn't stop there. In the 82nd minute, Juankar earned a penalty, and Ioannidis scored his team's third goal, which turned the rematch into a formality. The only black spot in the final was the Ukrainian goal."
Anton Prokopov
