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Turkish side Samsunspor will return to European competition for the first time in 27 years when they face Greece’s Panathinaikos on Thursday in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff round.
The match will be played at the Athens Olympic Stadium at 9 p.m. (GMT +3).
Samsunspor last appeared on the continental stage in the 1997–98 Intertoto Cup, where they reached the semifinals before falling to Werder Bremen. Their last European match was a 3-0 defeat to Bremen on Aug. 5, 1998.
The Black Sea club, which lifted the Balkan Cup in 1994, now aims to reach the group stage of a UEFA competition for the first time in their history.
Club vice president Veysel Bilen expressed pride and excitement ahead of the tie. “After many years, we are ending the longing for Europe,” Bilen said. “We want friendship and peace to win. Panathinaikos officials have been very supportive and we thank them for their hospitality. Samsunspor always strives to be an exemplary club.”
Bilen also addressed speculation in the media regarding the team’s crest and kits. “We are a club that respects the rules. In Athens, we will wear our white kit, and in Samsun our red-and-white kit. Whatever we wear, the badge on our chest is sacred,” he said.
Head coach Thomas Reis confirmed that winger Carlo Holse and forward Anthony Musaba will miss the game due to injury, while midfielder Emre Kilinc remains doubtful. Portuguese playmaker Afonso Sousa is ineligible after appearing for Lech Poznan earlier this summer in Champions League qualifying.
New signings Toni Borevkovic and goalkeeper Albert Posiadala are available for selection. Reis is expected to start with goalkeeper Okan Kocuk, captain Zeki Yavru, defenders Rick van Drongelen, Lubomir Satka, and Logi Tomasson, midfielders Celil Yuksel, Antoine Makoumbou, Olivier Ntcham, and Emre Kilinc (fitness permitting), with forwards Nany Dimata and Marius Mouandilmadji.
“We want to enjoy our football here, but also return home with a good result,” Reis told reporters. “We must play without fear and show our unity as a team. Panathinaikos are very experienced, but the tie is open.”
Captain Zeki Yavru added, “It is a proud moment for us and for Samsunspor. We came here to represent our club and our country in the best way. Panathinaikos are strong, but we will fight hard. Our aim is to surprise them and return to Turkey with an advantage.”
Samsunspor enters the playoff with confidence after back-to-back wins in the Turkish Super Lig. They opened the season with a 2-1 victory over Genclerbirligi before defeating newly promoted Kocaelispor 1-0 away.
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