UEL: Panathinaikos Edge Malmo with Late Deflected Winner

Benitez's Panathinaikos beat Malmo 1-0 in Europa League

Panathinaikos secure 1-0 win over Malmo FF in Europa League, courtesy of Anass Zaroury's deflected strike.

Malmo FF had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but it fell apart as Emmanuel Ekong's...

Malmo FF continued to struggle in the Europa League, suffering a 1-0 loss to Panathinaikos. This defeat extends their winless streak in the competition, with one draw and three losses. Panathinaikos, under new manager Rafael Benitez, secured the win with a late deflected goal.

Malmo dominated the early stages, creating several chances. Otto Rosengren's fierce effort from distance was turned behind by Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alban Lafont, who made an excellent save on the resulting corner. Despite their strong start, Malmo failed to capitalize on their chances, and Panathinaikos's late goal secured the victory.

Anass Zaroury had a chance to score, but his curler drifted wide. The visitors were then awarded a penalty in the 18th minute when Kenan Busuladzic fouled Karol Swiderski. However, Swiderski's penalty was easily saved by Melker Ellborg, and the visitors failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Malmo FF had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but it fell apart as Emmanuel Ekong's weak pass was intercepted by Erik Palmer-Brown. The first half ended on a sour note for Panathinaikos, with Manolis Siopis receiving his third booking and getting suspended for the next match. Siopis's booking led to a free-kick, which Pontus Jansson headed on target, but the rebound was cleared.

The incident didn't change the momentum, and Malmo continued to push for a goal. However, Panathinaikos held firm, and their new manager Rafael Benitez must be pleased with the team's defensive resilience. The win gives Panathinaikos a boost in the league phase.

Malmo FF created a late chance before halftime, but Jens Stryger Larsen's effort from Haksabanovic's cross went awry as he lost his balance. Manager Rafael Benitez made a tactical switch at the break, substituting Karol Swiderski for Milos Pantovic. However, the change didn't yield immediate results, as Malmo continued to push for a goal, with Ekong and Palmer-Brown having promising chances.

Just after the hour, Panathinaikos appeals for a penalty fell on deaf ears after Pantovic had gone down under the challenge of Djuric, but they could have gone ahead on 67 minutes when a Tete strike rattled the woodwork. 

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As things got slightly desperate late on, Tete was booked for diving, but Panathinaikos ultimately got the winner as a sustained spell of pressure culminated in a cross not being properly cleared by Djuric, with Zaroury capitalising to find the net via a deflection off the defender.

Förlust med uddamålet. #MFFPAO pic.twitter.com/b9DFwn9uBb

— Malmö FF (@Malmo_FF) November 6, 2025

Malmo FF's 1-0 loss to Panathinaikos extends their European main-draw woes, with 21 defeats in their last 26 matches (W1, D4). Up next for Malmo is Nottingham Forest in the UEL, while Panathinaikos take on Sturm Graz, riding high after their win.