Panionios test Lienen's patience

German coach Ewald Lienen was thrilled as a late goal gave Panionios GSS a 1-0 win at FK Austria Wien but said: "It's not very healthy to age a year during every match."

Lienen relieved
Lienen looked set to end the evening frustrated before German-born midfielder Ivica Majstorovic struck deep into added time to give Panionios their first Group H win. "I would have been extremely disappointed if we hadn't won," said the 54-year-old. "Austia Wien are a strong side, and are top of their league, but tonight they were only dangerous from dead-ball situations.

Nervy ending
"We had control of the ball and we created numerous chances to score, especially after the interval," he added. "However, when time goes by and you don't score, frustration kicks in and it's difficult to maintain concentration. I am happy that we managed to score, even if it was in added time. Being a coach is an exciting job, but it's not very healthy to age a year during every match."

Final outcome
Lienen, who won the UEFA Cup as a VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder in 1978/79, now needs his side to match or better Galatasaray AS's result at home against Austria on Matchday 5 as they host Group H winners FC Girondins de Bordeaux on 19 December. "We have a unique opportunity to survive this group, to advance and to be still playing in Europe in 2008," he said.

'A great win'
Majstorovic was understandably delighted with his contribution to the win, saying: "I am very happy and surprised that I scored the winning goal. Our fans deserved to celebrate because they were fantastic today." Greek international left-back Nikolaos Spyropoulos added: "It was a great win for Panionios. We were determined from the first minute and better than our opponents."