Unbelievable! Ajax advances to Europa League playoffs with epic 13-12 penalty shootout triumph

The Europa League third-round qualifiers on Thursday (Aug 15) turned into a wild night of football as Ajax battled their way to the playoff round in a thrilling match against Panathinaikos. In a jaw-dropping display of determination, Ajax secured victory after an epic penalty shootout that saw a record-breaking 34 penalties taken. The match will surely go down as one of the most unforgettable football moments of the year. With goalkeeper Remko Pasveer making five crucial saves, Ajax emerged victorious with a final score of 13-12. It was a night of pure excitement and drama that showcased the true spirit of the beautiful game.

Having won the first leg in Athens 1-0, Ajax needed a draw to reach the playoff round of the Europa League. They were on the brink of the next round until the 89th minute of the second leg as they were drawing Panathinaikos 0-0 and advancing with an aggregate score of 1-0. However, the Greek side scored an 89th minute goal which saw the score level on aggregate and take the tie to extra time.

The sides were not separated after the extra time, meaning a penalty shootout was forced to determine the winner.

With the tie ending on level terms, the shootout produced more drama as a crazy spell of penalties took place. Panathinaikos took the first penalty of the shootout and missed on their opening chance, meaning Ajax had the advantage to win. With the score 4-4 after nine penalties (five from Panathinaikos, four from the home side) Ajax had the opportunity to win the tie on the 10th penalty. However, Ajax’s Brian Brobbey missed the opportunity to win the tie as he missed his penalty.

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The match went into sudden death, where Ajax would again miss two match-winning penalties. Interestingly, both goalkeepers also took part in the shootout and scored for their sides. After 11 penalties, the shootout sequence was repeated and needed few players to take penalties again. Interestingly, Brobbey who missed earlier in the shootout missed again adding to the frustration.

With Panathinaikos missing the 33rd penalty in the shootout, Ajax finally closed the tie with the winning penalty on the 34th attempt. Ajax’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Pasveer made five saves and scored a penalty to win the contest for his side.