Ajax FC triumphed over Panathinaikos FC following a dramatic 34-penalty shootout at the Johan Cruyff Arena, in a historic UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round on August 15, 2024.
Despite Panathinaikos winning the match 1-0, which tied the aggregate score at 1-1, the game was decided by an intense penalty shootout. Both teams took 17 penalties each, with Ajax's Anton Gaaei netting the decisive goal.
The match itself was a spectacle of endurance and skill. Ajax had initially led 1-0 from the first leg, but Panathinaikos managed to stay alive thanks to an 89th-minute goal from Tete, sending the tie into extra time.
The tension culminated in a penalty shootout that saw a total of 34 kicks from the spot, a record-breaking number for such a tie.
Key to Ajax's success was goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, who not only saved five penalties but also scored one himself.
Ajax coach Francesco Farioli praised his team’s performance, stating, "It was incredible. The spirit and commitment of the team were great tonight. We are not perfect, but we cannot say that the players did not give everything."
This victory allows Ajax to advance to face Jagiellonia Białystok of Poland in the play-off round next week.
The match is notable not just for its record-breaking shootout but also for the important contributions from both players and coaching staff, emphasizing teamwork and individual heroics.
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