Ajax aiming to extend unbeaten run

PANATHINAIKOS attempt to upset the odds in tonight's European Cup semi-final, first-leg, clash with holders Ajax in Amsterdam.

Four-times winners Ajax would appear to have history on their side as they attempt to extend a record 19-game unbeaten run in Europe's premier competition.

The Dutch league leaders have only lost once at the semi-final stage in six appearances, going down 2-1 to eventual winners Nottingham Forest in 1980. And in the 1971 final at Wembley they beat Panathinaikos 2-0.

That was the Greek champions' only final appearance, and they last played in a semi-final in 1985 when they were knocked out by Liverpool.

Panathinaikos coach, Juan Ramon Rocha, is not dismayed. His team played superbly to beat Legia Warsaw 3-0 in Athens to reach the last four, having gained a 0-0 result in Arctic conditions in Poland.

"We know we are facing the best team in the world but regardless of this, who knows, we may have a rendezvous with history and beat the odds," he said after arriving in Amsterdam.

Ajax slipped to their third league defeat since mid-January as they went 2-0 at Roda JC Kerkrade on Saturday - although virtually their entire first-team squad was out injured or being rested,

Most of the absentees will be back tonight, but coach Louis van Gaal is certainly not taking the Greek challenge lightly.

Panathinaikos's winger George Donis, reported to be a £3.8 million target of Manchester United, will play up front while veteran Stratos Apostolakis is their defensive lynchpin and Argentine international Juan Jose Borelli will organise the midfield.

Outsiders Nantes from France take on Juventus in Turin in the other semi-final.

Most observers predict a dream final between the Italian champions and Ajax but this season the French teams have made a habit of shattering dreams and predictions.

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero warned yesterday that the Italians would underestimate the French challenge at their peril.

"If Nantes have got this far, then they are one of the four best sides in Europe," he said.

Both Nantes and Juventus have been badly hit by injuries and suspensions for the game.

Juventus will be without five players. Moreno Torricelli, Former Nantes player Didier Deschamps and Antonio Conte are suspended, while Alessio Tacchinardi and Fabrizio Ravanelli are injured.

Nantes, who have scored in the away leg of every European match they have played in the last 10 years, are without winger Reynald Pedros, who is suspended, and injured midfielders Japhet N'Doram and Claude Makalele.

Coach Jean-Claude Suaudeau is looking for a crucial away goal from striker Nicolas Ouedec, who has been back to his best form in recent matches.