Asteras Tripolis - Maritimo Asteras Tripolis continues its journey after qualifying against Baku, Azerbaijan, which passed on penalties after 1-1 away and 1-1 at home. With Bandis blocking a penalty and Perone executing ala Panenka, Asteras got the ticket for the next phase.
Sakis Tsiolis stated about the match
"This is a great match with Maritimo. There is enthusiasm in the locker rooms and the will of the players is great. We definitely have a legacy from the matches with Inter Baku. We showed character as we qualified for a match where we conceded a goal in the end and lost the first penalty".
About how they expect the game: "It is a celebration and a historic moment for the city. We have to be focused in order to be able to reap the benefits and claim the qualification in Portugal. It is a very difficult game".
For the tactics that Asteras will have: "We will look to reduce Maritimo's aggression and launch attacks in empty spaces. It will be a better prospect to lead".
For Maritimo: "We will try to make our game. Our tactics will be aggressive but we will be careful in our defense zones and in our defensive behavior. Here we have a team that goes online play. We must not let our opponent play the game he wants".
Bartolini's significant absence in defense.
Maritimo did not do so well in the championship last year but managed to get at least the European ticket. In the friendlies he gave (5 in total) in all we had Under 2.5.
For the game, coach Pedro Martins stated:
As for qualifying, he said: "The goal is to reach the groups, we want a victory, but the qualification is at 50-50 ".
Martins also stated about Asteras' aggressive philosophy, although what he saw this philosophy is a question. Maritimo will look to get a good result such as a draw while Asteras will look to close the corridors of Maritimo's forwards even if they can score. I see a nice Under 2.5 here
