Panathinaikos Triumphs in Epic Penalty Shootout Against Ajax
- Ajax and Panathinaikos engaged in a nail-biting 34-kick penalty shootout.
- The dramatic showdown lasted 24 minutes, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
- Ultimately, one team emerged victorious in this intense Europa League encounter.
In a thrilling Europa League qualifying match on Thursday night, Panathinaikos faced Ajax in a dramatic penalty shootout after a late equaliser forced the game into a tense conclusion. The shootout saw a staggering 25 penalties taken, with two missing the target and seven saved—five by Ajax's goalkeeper Remko Pasveer and two by Panathinaikos' Bartlomiej Dragowski. Notably, Dragowski had to take two penalties himself, missing two potential winners before his team ultimately secured victory. The shootout was marked by tension, particularly when Ajax's Brian Brobbey stepped up to take his shot. Despite a strong track record, he faced pressure as the shootout extended, leading to a brief altercation between players from both teams. Referee Chris Kavanagh intervened, issuing yellow cards to players from each side as the atmosphere grew increasingly charged. Filip Mladenovic of Panathinaikos had a chance to clinch the win but saw his powerful shot saved by Pasveer, who was determined to make an impact despite not being Ajax's first-choice goalkeeper. Pasveer's performance was remarkable, as he saved five penalties, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure. After the match, he humorously acknowledged the significance of his saves while sharing a light moment with former Ajax player Wesley Sneijder. In a strategic twist, Ajax altered their penalty order, sending winger Anton Gaaei to take their 17th shot, a move that added to the unpredictability of the shootout. Ultimately, Panathinaikos emerged victorious, securing their place in the next round of the tournament.