Ajax Advance to Europa League Playoffs with Wild 13-12 Penalty Shootout Win

In an unforgettable night of football during the Europa League third-round qualifiers on Thursday, August 15, Ajax secured their place in the playoff round in what has been hailed as one of the most dramatic moments of the year.

The Dutch side triumphed over Greek club Panathinaikos in an extraordinary penalty shootout that required a staggering 34 spot-kicks to decide the winner. Ajax eventually won the shootout 13-12, thanks to the heroics of their 40-year-old goalkeeper, Remko Pasveer, who made five crucial saves.

 

Ajax’s Narrow Escape in Regular Time

After winning the first leg in Athens 1-0, Ajax needed only a draw in the second leg to progress.

They were on course to advance with an aggregate lead of 1-0 as the second leg approached its conclusion. However, Panathinaikos scored in the 89th minute, leveling the aggregate score and forcing the match into extra time. Despite the additional 30 minutes, neither team could find the back of the net, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the victor.

 

The Penalty Shootout Drama Unfolds

The shootout was filled with tension and drama from the start. Panathinaikos missed their first penalty, giving Ajax the upper hand. The score stood at 4-4 after nine penalties (five taken by Panathinaikos and four by Ajax), with Ajax having a chance to win on their fifth kick. However, Ajax’s Brian Brobbey failed to capitalize, missing the opportunity to seal the tie.

The match then entered sudden death, where Ajax squandered two more chances to win. In a twist, both goalkeepers participated in the shootout, successfully converting their penalties. After 11 rounds, the cycle of penalty-takers restarted, with Brobbey again missing, much to Ajax’s frustration.

Finally, after Panathinaikos missed their 33rd penalty, Ajax clinched the victory with the 34th spot-kick. Pasveer, who had been a key figure throughout the shootout, not only saved five penalties but also scored one himself, playing a pivotal role in Ajax’s hard-fought triumph.