At the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadium in Samsun, on Thursday, August 28, the home side Samsunspor host Panathinaikos in the second leg of the Europa League 2025/26 qualification playoff. The tie is still wide open: the first leg ended 2-1 in favor of the Greeks, who now, with the away match, can rely on two results out of three to secure qualification. For the Turkish side, regardless of the outcome, it will still be a day of celebration, since even if they fail to overturn the one-goal deficit, they would still enter the single-league stage of the Conference League. A historic achievement, as it would be their first-ever participation in a European competition, proving how Turkish football is on the rise compared to other leagues in the coming years. In the first leg, Thomas Reis’s men were clinical: after resisting their opponents’ attacks for the entire first half, they took the lead early in the second half with a Tomasson header from a corner kick. From that moment on, however, they disappeared from the pitch, allowing the Greeks to create several chances, which led first to the equalizer by Kyriakopoulos and then to the winning goal by Palmer-Brown. To advance, Samsunspor will need something more, as only a victory with at least a two-goal margin would see them through. On the other hand, Panathinaikos have the great opportunity to upgrade from last season, when they competed in the Conference League and still reached the Round of 16. With a one-goal advantage, Rui Vitória’s men must rely on their greater experience in knockout matches, also considering the recent signings of experienced players such as Davide Calabria and Renato Sanches, if they want to come away unscathed from what promises to be a very tricky away fixture.

Samsunspor's recent form and key stats

After winning their first two Super Lig matches against Genclerbirligi and Kocaelispor, Samsunspor suffered their first setback of the season with a 2-1 defeat away to Panathinaikos in the Europa League qualifier first leg. In their first three games of the season, the Turkish side have scored a total of 4 goals while conceding 3.

Despite the loss to the Greeks, Samsunspor’s overall trend remains positive, with only one defeat in their last eight matches (six wins and one draw). At home, Thomas Reis’s men have won their last four games at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadium, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Panathinaikos' recent form and key stats

While waiting for the Greek Super League to kick off next weekend, Panathinaikos have so far only played in European qualification matches. In five games, Rui Vitória’s team have collected one win, three draws, and one loss. The first leg against the Turks at least ended their two-game scoring drought.

In their only two away matches so far this season, Panathinaikos lost 2-0 to Rangers and drew 0-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk before winning on penalties. Their away form is extremely poor in 2025: one win (2-1 vs AEK on May 4), eight defeats, and four draws. Hardly encouraging numbers ahead of the trip to Samsun.

Samsunspor vs Panathinaikos prediction and tactical overview

As for the prediction of Samsunspor vs Panathinaikos, BetMines expects a balanced match that could end in a draw or with a narrow home win. For this reason, the algorithm suggests betting on Double Chance 1X.

The hosts created very little in the first leg, scoring only from a corner kick and threatening just once more. The situation could change in the return leg, though, with the home crowd pushing and the need to win in order to qualify.

Panathinaikos have yet to score away from home this season and wasted many chances in Athens, arriving in Turkey with just a one-goal advantage. With two favorable results out of three, Rui Vitória’s men may approach the match cautiously, relying on counterattacks, especially down the left flank with Kyriakopoulos, one of the standout performers in the first leg.

• Samsunspor vs Panathinaikos Prediction from BetMines: Double Chance 1X with 76% probability
  
  
• Samsunspor vs Panathinaikos Prediction from BetMines: Away Win (2) with 25% probability

Probable lineups Samsunspor vs Panathinaikos

SAMSUNSPOR (4-3-3): Kocuk; Yavru, Satka, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Ntcham, Makoumbou, Yuksel; Dimata, Mouandilmadji, Kilinc. Coach: Thomas Reis

PANATHINAIKOS (4-3-3): Dragowski; Kotsiras, Palmer-Brown, Touba, Kyriakopoulos; Bakasetas, Cerin, Chirivella; Teté, Swiderski, Pellistri. Coach: Rui Vitória