Baroš toasts Cimbom thirst for glory

Milan Baroš believes Galatasaray AŞ's desire was the difference between the Istanbul side and Panathinaikos FC as Frank Rijkaard's team began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 3-1 win in Athens.

Important win
Czech Republic international Baroš was in top form, scoring once and playing a key role in setting up Elano's early opener in a 3-1 win at the OACA Spiros Louis as the Turkish club started their Group H campaign with a bang. "It's never easy to come to Greece and win but I think we really wanted the victory and that showed in the way we played," Baroš told uefa.com. "We played well and to get three points from our first game was very important for us."

Control
Baroš showed great skill to turn Josu Sarriegi and then send over a low cross which landed at the feet of Elano via the boot of unlucky Panathinaikos debutant Stergios Marinos, with the Brazilian gleefully tapping home the opener after just five minutes to set Galatasaray on their way. "We controlled the game quite easily after scoring the first goal," he added. "We created a lot of chances and scored more goals so on the balance of things we deserved to win."

'Good step'
Elano and Baroš, with a rejuvenated Harry Kewell also chipping in, caused Henk ten Cate's men no end of problems with their pace and movement. Despite the euphoria in the Cimbom camp after the win, Baroš insists he and his team-mates must remain focused. "We have made a good start but we have five more games so we have to concentrate on those," said the former Liverpool FC striker, who went on to praise the new competition format. "It's more exciting this year with the new system and with the top two teams going through. I hope we can continue and pick up enough points to finish in the top two."