Vintra hero for Greeks

Loukas Vintra proved Panathinaikos' hero as they overcame Sevilla 1-0.

Panathinaikos are one of eight clubs who have dropped out of the UEFA Champions League to participate in this year's Uefa Cup and stand a decent chance of further progression after a 1-0 win on home soil.

Sevilla, who are riding high in third place of their domestic league, had looked likely to come away from the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium with a stalemate after some stout defending had kept out their Athens hosts.

However, with just under 15 remaining, Vintra struck to hand Panathinaikos early advantage in the tie.

The two clubs meet next week with the contest delicately poised, as both sides fight for a place in the next round against either Parma or Stuttgart.