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      Panathinaikos 1 Chelsea 4: Joao Felix gives Enzo Maresca selection headache with double as Blues go top of table

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      ON this evidence Enzo Maresca should win his first Chelsea trophy at a canter this season.His Blues strolled past Panathinaikos without much need to engage their brains, let alone work up a sweat.Chelsea run riot in AthensCredit: RexThe biggest resistance offered in Athens was a crafty supporter armed with a green laser pen – trying but failing to put off the Chelsea players.Given how much of a stroll some of these games should be, they offer a chance for those in need of a confidence boost.Two of those did just that, Joao Felix scoring twice having struggled for minutes since his before and Mykhailo Mudryk netting one and setting up two.Mudryk, desperately needing a statement performance, skied an early chance and looked to be heading for another frustrating night.READ MORE IN footballBut soon he started to make things happen.The Ukrainian, whose potential is undoubted but rarely looks like being fulfilled, was causing constant trouble down the left and teed up the opener.After Felix flicked on a header into his path, Mudryk raced forward and picked his moment to slide the ball back to his Portuguese teammate, allowing him a first time finish past Bartlomiej Drągowski.He could have had another assist minutes later too, squaring well for Enzo Fernandez to strike – though it was just tipped over.Most read in FootballJoao Felix opened the scoringCredit: ReutersFelix started the rout in GreeceCredit: GettyMykhailo Mudryk got himself a much needed goalCredit: APMudryk has another positive performance in EuropeCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter a couple of early scares – including Filip Jorgensen needing to save from Tin Jedvaj’s second minute header – Chelsea were in full control.They may have had a rough couple of years but they are clearly too good for Europe’s third tier competition.Roberto Mancini brutally sacked from job as highest-paid manager in the world just days after clashing with fansThat was made more than clear inside ten second half minutes as Chelsea bagged another three.First Mudryk added to his first assist with a maiden goal of the season, heading in at the far post from Pedro Neto’s cross.He then set Felix up for his second of the night, taking advantage of the hosts’ failure to clear a Neto cross, laying the ball back before the shot deflected in off Serbian Nemanja Maksimovic.Within moments of putting the game beyond doubt, Felix won a penalty – his cross striking the hand of Daniel Mancini. Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then.The winger was denied the chance to wrap up his hat-trick as Christopher Nkunku converted from the spot, despite having to deal with a laser pen constantly in his eye.From there Chelsea slowed, a number of changes and chances for youngsters: Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Cesare Casadei.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Chelsea’s guard down a touch, the hosts grabbed a consolation.Sub Georgios Vagiannidis found space down the right and crossed for former Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri to tap in at the far post.Christopher Nkunku scored from the spotCredit: GettyHe pulled off his trademark celebrationCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans shocked with manager Erik ten Hag set to play Noussair Mazraoui in bizarre new position

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      ERIK TEN HAG left Manchester United fans shocked with Noussair Mazraoui to play in a new role.United travel to Turkey to face ex-manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side.Follow all the action from Man Utd vs Fenerbahce hereErik ten Hag fans shocked with Noussair Mazraoui to play in a new roleCredit: GettyMazraoui was handed a new roleCredit: GettyAnd they did so with a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation – but with a twist. As full-back Mazraoui did not start on the right side of defence, with Diogo Dalot instead preferred. Instead, eyebrows were raised with the defender in line to play in an attacking midfield role despite Amad Diallo sitting on the bench.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne said: “Ten hag has fully lost the plot.” Another added: If the rumours are true and Ten Hag is playing Mazraoui as a 10 instead of Amad, I’m actually going to lose it. “Best attacker this season hasn’t seen the pitch in hours but the fullback gets the 10 spot. I’m speechless.” One fumed: “He’d rather play Mazraoui #10 than the other attacking players we have, this guy is a sicko.”Most read in FootballBut another argued: “Mazraoui playing as a number 10 is wild! Didn’t see that coming. Let’s see how this experiment works out!” CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTen Hag confirmed Mazraoui’s advanced role – something they tried out while both at Ajax. He said: “Mazraoui will play in the 10 position tonight. I know him from before at Ajax I played him there.”Also as a full back he plays in the half spaces. So he’s capable to do this job.”The game ended 1-1 with Christian Eriksen opening the score for United but Youssef En-Nesyri levelled five minutes after the break. More

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      Arsenal legend drops huge hint Bukayo Saka WILL be fit to face Liverpool after visiting Gunners’ training ground

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      ARSENAL icon David Seaman has suggested Bukayo Saka WILL be available to face Liverpool on Sunday despite injury concerns.Saka has not played since he was forced off with a knock during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece earlier this month.Bukayo Saka could make a return from injury this weekendCredit: ReutersFormer Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman suggests he will be availableCredit: GettyHaving already missed two games for Arsenal, he is now a doubt for this weekend’s huge Premier League match against Liverpool.Following Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted: “Saka is not training yet so he won’t be available.”However, ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Seaman this week revealed that he saw the 23-year-old in training.Speaking on his Seaman Says podcast, the former England international explained: “I’m a little bit nervy, if I’m honest, because we’re not going to be at our strongest, depending on Saka.Read More on Arsenal”Although when I was in last Thursday at Arsenal, coaching with the young goalies, I saw Bukayo with his boots on and I was like, ‘ah, good sign’.”Not trainers or anything like that. He was going off to do some one-to-one rehab, so that was a good sign. Hopefully it’s not too bad.”Arsenal will be without several key players for the huge match.William Saliba will serve a suspension after being sent off against Bournemouth last week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/AClub captain Martin Odegaard remains on the road to recovery from an ankle injury.Jurrien Timber is experiencing some fitness issues.Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal suffered with tiredness against Shakhtar Donetsk And new signing Riccardo Calafiori is set to miss Sunday’s match due to a knee injury he picked up against Shakhtar.Seaman added: “The only indication they’ve got that’s definite is that Saliba’s out with his suspension.”It’s going to be tough, but these are the games you want. These tell you how good you are, or how good you’re going to be in the season.” More

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      Premier League table without VAR revealed with Man City two points worse off and Bournemouth in fifth

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      THE Premier League table would look very different if VAR wasn’t in use.Several fans, players and managers have criticised the use of the technology since it was introduced to England’s top division five years ago.Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has criticised VARCredit: GettyMan City’s John Stones scored a controversial late goal against Wolves at the weekend that was reviewed and given by VARCredit: GettyWolves boss Gary O’Neil claimed officials have a “subconscious” bias towards the Prem’s top clubs after his team conceded a controversial late goal against Manchester City on Sunday.He said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves.”But is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making, without even knowing it? Are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?”My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City. Are the officials the same?Read More in Football”If I had to upset someone and there’s a big and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little guy.”Wolves could have been one point better off in the league table had John Stones’ dramatic late winner not been given.Birmingham World recently investigated how the standings would look if VAR wasn’t used in the Prem.At the bottom of the table, Wolves and Southampton would be one point better off without the technology.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHow the Prem table would look without VARBournemouth would be four points better off without VARCredit: ReutersHowever, they would both still remain in the relegation zone.Crystal Palace would also be on two points – one less than they are currently on.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassThe use of VAR has not majorly affected the likes of Ipswich, West Ham, Leicester and Brentford.But the findings suggest Everton would have benefited if VAR wasn’t in use.In arguably the biggest surprise, Bournemouth would be fifth with 15 points without VAR.The Cherries would be four points better off without the technology.Liverpool would remain at the top of the table with 21 points – the same total they currently have.Manchester City would stay in second – but with two points less.The absence of VAR would not affect the current standings of Arsenal and Aston Villa in third and fourth.Man City would have two less pointsCredit: EPA More

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      Arsenal’s craziest Invincible took the team bus for a spin at 17 and nearly put the driver through the window’

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      ARSENAL’S “craziest” Invincible took the team minibus for a spin at 17 years old, according to Jermaine Pennant.Former goalkeeper Graham Stack was the joker of the pack – who almost put Arsenal’s coach driver through the windscreen during one of his moments of mayhem.Jermaine Pennant has lifted the lid on his time spent at Arsenal’s academyPennant recalled an outrageous story about ‘crazy’ Graham StackSpeaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas”, Pennant said: “Graham Stack was part of the academy team I played with at Arsenal.”And he went on to become a part of the first-team in the Invincible season; he didn’t play but he was on the bench a lot that year. “He was always a bit of a loose cannon, right the way through the youth team and into the first-team set-up, but he was a great guy. “I don’t think he’s changed much over the years, by the way; I think he’s still a bit of a loose cannon now – he’s such a great character. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Boy, you don’t want to get in his crosshairs… he’s crazy! “I’d love to tell you some stories that spring to mind when I think of him, but I don’t think they’d be able to go out! He’s a mad man.”We’d all meet up at Highbury and this coach would take us to London Colney for training. “Graham decided one afternoon, when he got on, and the driver was waiting, that he was going to drive the coach… he’d have been about 17 at the time, and he’s driving it.Most read in FootballPennant came through the ranks at ArsenalFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The driver was standing in the aisles and Graham’s slammed his foot on the brakes, and our driver’s almost gone through the window!”I think he smashed the whole window to bits. Honestly, there’s just loads of stories like that; he was just a crazy guy. Arsenal fans say ‘time to upgrade the wardrobe’ as Gunners release ‘orgasmic’ new clothing range “He was a good goalkeeper as well, to be fair to him!”Jens Lehmann was the No1 shot stopper for Arsenal’s “Invincibles” team during the 2003–04 season, when the team went undefeated to win the Premier League title.A mischievous local lad who grew up in a pub, Stack was an unlikely choice for Arsene Wenger’s famously tight ship.Stack was sent out on loan to Belgian side Beveren in 2002, but trouble found him again.When two Antwerp ultras rushed the field, Stack, then 21 years old, was forced to knock out a yob who assaulted him.He spent six years at Arsenal without ever playing a Prem game, though he did make five League Cup appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe goalie spent time at Millwall and Reading on loan from the Gunners, joining the latter on a permanent basis in 2006.He also had spells at Leeds, Wolves, Plymouth, Blackpool and Hibs before a four year stint at Barnet, where he made 125 league appearances.Stack was attacked by hooligans who charged onto the pitch More

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      Arsene Wenger demands Premier League rule change and hints Man City won’t face full force of 115 alleged rule breaches

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      ARSENAL legend Arsene Wenger insists Financial Fair Play rules need to change in the Premier League.This comes as Wenger’s former rivals Manchester City are facing a whopping 115 charges of alleged financial breaches.Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger insists the Premier League need to change their Financial Fair Play rulesCredit: SplashWenger predicted Manchester City won’t face the full force of the 115 financial chargesCredit: GettyThe French tactician believes the Prem are putting themselves at a disadvantage compared to other competitive leagues who have changed their own FFP rules.Nevertheless, the 75-year-old hinted that City won’t face the full force of the charges after their most recent landmark legal battle with the Premier League that saw both sides claiming victory.The Citizens had attempted to overturn new rules relating to “Associated Party Transactions” – funding through sponsorship of companies owned by club bosses.And in a major rebuttal of the Prem case, three senior Judges including a former Master of the Rolls ruled that the Prem’s Associated Party Transaction rules meant City were “unfairly blocked” from inking two major deals.Read More on FootballWenger told beIN SPORTS: “I feel the rules of Financial Fair Play today have to be changed in the Premier League.”Because they now face competition from other leagues, who have changed their Financial Fair Play rules.”At the moment you cannot hear a club like Man City being charged by 115 different charges in a football season. I don’t believe in that.”The Premier League already lost a case, the first case against them. I don’t know them [City], I can’t judge them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I just think, 115 different charges against a football club today looks like we are in an international administration. “Financial Fair Play rules have to be changed and made more simple.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?”They [City owners] came in and they had not faced any Financial Fair Play nor have Chelsea.”Chelsea, they bought my players [from Arsenal] and Chelsea also bought what they wanted because there was no Financial Fair Play rules.” More

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      Arsenal fans say ‘time to upgrade the wardrobe’ as Gunners release ‘orgasmic’ new clothing range

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      ARSENAL fans are in love with the club’s new fashion collection after it was launched today.The Gunners and Adidas have teamed up again to create a new lifestyle range.Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli modelled the new rangeSaliba took time away to promote the new 90s-style LFSTLR collectionIt draws inspiration from Arsenal’s 2023/24 third kitFootball meets relaxed fashion with Arsenal’s new reto Adidas Originals collection hitting the shelves this week.The selection includes vintage jackets, tracksuits, bottoms and Gazelle trainers, which will transport Gooners back to the late 90s.Painted in traditional Arsenal hues, the collection honours the club’s heritage by utilising red and blue colourways from the 1994-95 away shirt.The range was modelled by Arsenal stars Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMikel Arteta’s men took some time away from their busy schedule to promote the new range via a game of pool.The gear draws inspiration from Arsenal’s 2023/24 third kit – welcoming back the classic AFC lettering on the collar.It has been modified using double knit fabric and features an embroidered Arsenal badge and no Emirates sponsor.Adidas brought back their classic trefoil logo, instead of the triangle performance emblem fans see on most official footie kits.Most read in FootballFans adore the 90s feel and welcome back the classic AFC lettering on the collarFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal launched the collection on X with the caption: Timeless, understated and unmistakably Arsenal ❤.”And fans absolutely loved it, with simply writing: “Orgasmic.”‘If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are out of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’Another supporter wrote: “Arsenal always delivers both on and off the pitch 🔥.”While third said: “This new line is pure class—clean, bold, and ready to rep.”One more added: “This attracts fans who appreciate timeless fashion.”Another commented: “I speak for all of Arsenal fans that we will be buying it.”The new line is available on Arsenal’s website, with prices ranging from £40 to £85.Arsenal’s kits for this season have received mixed responses with supporters loving the home shirt, but labelling the black and green away strip as “bizarre.”The club’s commitment to fashion and the wider world of culture has been apparent during the course of 2024.Arsenal teamed up with Aries at the start of October to release a stunning collection that paid homage to Arsenal’s 1886 origins.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the Emirates even turned into a Labrum catwalk for London Fashion Week in September.The show saw Declan Rice and pundit Alex Scott make their catwalk debuts.Prices range start from £40 More

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      Inside Panathinaikos’ stadium now used by minnows with 2,500 fans – as Greek side host Chelsea in rented ground

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      CHELSEA are visiting Panathinaikos in the League Phase of the Conference League tonight at Athens Olympic Stadium.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) has been used on and off by PAO ever since 2005 as they swap between Greece’s largest stadium and their historic ground of Apostolos Nikolaidis.Panathinaikos are facing Chelsea away from their traditional groundCredit: GettyPanathinaikos’ historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground is in Leoforos AlexandrasCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona at LeoforosCredit: GettyThe Greek giants competed at their traditional home – also known simply as Leoforos because of its position at Alexandra’s Avenue in the centre of the capital – last season.However, Diego Alonso’s side returned to OAKA for this term after previous issues with the stadium’s roof were dealt with to the satisfaction of Uefa.This comes after the ground, named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis, had to close due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome last year.Greek press claimed authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.Read More on FootballHowever, OAKA has reopened this season and the Blues will be playing in the same venue that hosted the 2004 Olympics as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.The Athens stadium holds a capacity of 70,000, which makes it larger than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.The club are paying rent to the Greek state, which is worth in the range of €300,000 (£250,000).PAO have experienced immense success at OAKA in the past having beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord – that was also where they hosted Ajax in the 1995-96 Champions League semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it doesn’t compare to the glory Panathinaikos have tasted at Leoforos as that is where they played in the 1970-71 campaign.That was when Ferenc Puskas’ side made it to the European Cup final – eliminating Everton in the quarter-finals along the way – at Wembley where they were beaten by Johan Cruyff’s Ajax.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolPanathinaikos later enjoyed even more European success at Leoforos as they made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2001-02 campaign by beating the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.However, this season the ground is being used by Superleague opponents Kallithea, who are renting it out and are tasked with the venue’s maintenance.The Greek club needed to meet the necessary top flight requirements to host games, such as installing CCTV, but that would have cost them around €500,000 (£416,000).And so a decision was made to move to a stadium that already has the necessary gear, while Panathinaikos make a profit without having to worry about maintenance while playing in Marousi.Leoforos holds a capacity of 16,620, which is far larger than the average 2,454 attendance rate Kallithea are currently recording this season.Panathinaikos are currently working on building their own stadium at Votanikos – a project that has been in the works in the last two decades.Moving to a new stadiumHowever, Greek reports suggest the state of the art ground, which is expected to hold a capacity of over 40,000, will be completed by Christmas of 2026 or New Year’s Day of 2027.Nevertheless, as per the current rate of construction, the stadium could open its doors in time for the 2027-28 season.OAKA is expected to be at full capacity tonight due to Chelsea’s visit, which will see manager Enzo Maresca missing key players.Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson are left out.And of course Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia as well as star man Cole Palmer were omitted from the Conference League list.Tonight will be an emotional match as it marks Panathinaikos’ first home game since star man George Baldock’s tragic death two weeks ago, therefore a series of tributes have been organised.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth teams will be wearing black armbands while a minute’s silence will be held in Sheffield United legend Baldock’s memory.And Oaka has been filled with posters, which read: ” There’s a starman is waiting in the sky”.Chelsea face Panathinaikos at the Athens Olympic Stadium, also known as OAKACredit: GettyOAKA is Greece’s largest stadium with a bigger capacity than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’sCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord at OAKACredit: Getty More