New UEFA record set with 34-penalty shootout in Europa League
In an unprecedented turn of events, Dutch football club Ajax was involved in a new UEFA competition record. The team triumphed over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying-round tie, following a nail-biting penalty shootout that required an extraordinary 34 penalties. This intense match concluded with Ajax securing a narrow victory of 13-12, surpassing the previous UEFA record for most penalties taken in a single game. Here are further details.
Late goal forces match into record-breaking shootout
The first leg of the match saw Ajax take a 1-0 lead in Greece. However, a late goal scored by Panathinaikos in the 89th minute during the second leg in Amsterdam, led to an unexpected twist. This last-minute equalizer forced the game into extra time and subsequently, a penalty shootout. The previous record was that of 32 attempts in the European U-21 Championship semi-final in 2007 where the Netherlands beat England 13-12.
Ajax's goalkeeper shines in record-breaking penalty shootout
Ajax's goalkeeper, Remko Pasveer, emerged as a key player in this historic match. He not only made five saves during the penalty shootout but also scored on his own attempt. Despite Dutch international Brian Brobbey missing two penalties, it was defender Anton Gaaei who ultimately secured the win for Ajax with his successful penalty shot.
Pasveer reflects on intense match and record-breaking shootout
Reflecting on the intense match, Pasveer told Reuters, "Five is quite a lot, yes. I save a penalty every now and then, but I don't think you often experience something as crazy as this." He also expressed his surprise at Brobbey's misses during the shootout. Despite the unexpected turns in the game, Ajax's victory has secured them a spot against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok in the playoff round later this month.
More records from the match
As per Opta, the penalty shootout between Ajax and Panathinaikos is also the second-biggest penalty shootout score in European competition history (after 14-13 between Gzira United and Glentoran in July 2023). For just the second time, Ajax were forced to play extra time in a European qualifying match. Previously, they did so versus Grazer AK in August 2003 (2-1 victory after extra time).
