Ajax Triumphs 13-12 in Epic Penalty Shootout

Ajax advanced to the Europa League qualifying play-off round after an extraordinary penalty shootout, defeating Panathinaikos 13-12. The shootout, which saw a record 34 penalties was won by Ajax thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Remko Pasveer and defender Anton Gaaei. Pasveer, aged 40, saved five penalties and scored one while Gaaei scored the decisive spot-kick. Despite Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey missing two penalties and Bertrand Traore and Youri Baas also failing to convert, Ajax triumphed.

Manager Francesco Farioli described the shootout as “incredible,” praising his team’s spirit and dedication. He acknowledged the challenges of a lengthy shootout which lasted 25 minutes and commended the players for their effort. This shootout ranks as the second-longest in European competition history, closely following Glentoran’s 14-13 loss to Gzira United in last season’s Conference League qualifying.

The match reached the shootout after Panathinaikos won 1-0 in Amsterdam, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1. Tete scored the Greek side’s goal in the 89th minute and extra time ended goalless before the shootout commenced. Farioli noted the difficulty of entering a shootout after such a tense match but highlighted that Ajax had taken a crucial step forward.

Ajax will now face Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok in a two-legged play-off later this month as they aim to secure a place in the league phase of the Europa League.