Renato Sanches was once again in the starting line-up this Thursday, in Panathinaikos' draw in their visit to Hungary against Ferencvaros (1-1), in a match on the seventh round of the Europa League. The Portuguese international hadn't started a game since the end of October, therefore, almost three months ago. It was precisely on October 29, 2025 that Renato Sanches was in the starting lineup for the last time, on Panathinaikos' visit to Atromitos. Rafa Benítez started the Portuguese player initially, but the unlucky midfielder was injured in the first half, in the 38th minute. A muscle injury with a stoppage initially planned for just ten days, but which ended up lasting until the end of the year. Renato Sanches only returned to play in 2026 and this month he participated in three games, but always as a substitute, accumulating, in total over the three games, around an hour of play. Tonight, in Budapest, against Ferencvaros, it was different. Renato Sanches came on as a starter and was only replaced in the 74th minute, even before the Greek team tied the game with a goal from Anass Zaroury towards the end.