Ajax Edges Panathinaikos in Historic 34-Penalty Shootout to Advance in Europa League

In a gripping encounter that will be remembered for its sheer drama, Ajax triumphed over Panathinaikos in a penalty shootout that was nothing short of historic. After a fierce battle that culminated in a tense 1-0 victory for the Greek side in Amsterdam — leveling the aggregate score at 1-1 — the stage was set for an extraordinary shootout that featured a staggering 34 penalties. The shootout, which lasted an intense 25 minutes, saw Ajax emerge victorious with a final score of 13-12. Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, at the age of 40, proved to be the hero for the Dutch team, saving five penalties and even contributing one of his own to the scoreline. The culmination of the shootout came from defender Anton Gaaei, who coolly netted the decisive penalty, sending Ajax into the next round of the UEFA Europa League qualifying play-offs. Despite the victory, Ajax faced significant challenges during the shootout. Notably, striker Brian Brobbey struggled, missing two opportunities from the spot. His teammates Bertrand Traore and Youri Baas also failed to convert their penalties, adding to the tension and uncertainty as the sequence of kicks unfolded. Manager Francesco Farioli expressed immense pride in his team's spirit and dedication following such a grueling match. "The spirit and dedication of the team were amazing tonight," he shared with Ziggo Sport. "We are not perfect, but we can't say that the players didn't give it their all." Farioli acknowledged the unique pressure of a shootout, particularly after a match that was emotionally charged and physically demanding. This shootout marks one of the most remarkable in European football history, ranking as the second-highest in terms of penalty score, just shy of the record set last season when Glentoran lost 14-13 to Gzira United in Conference League qualifying. As Ajax prepares for their next challenge, a two-legged play-off against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok, the team will look to build on this hard-fought victory. The stakes are high as they aim to secure a place in the league phase of the Europa League, and with the resilience and determination displayed in this match, Ajax will carry a newfound confidence into the upcoming fixtures.