Europa League: Ajax defeat Panathinaikos after 34-penalty shootout

Ajax triumphed over Panathinaikos 13-12 on penalties in an epic shootout featuring 34 spot-kicks, securing their place in the Europa League qualifying play-off round.

Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, 40, saved five penalties and scored one, while defender Anton Gaaei netted the winning kick for Ajax.

The Dutch side prevailed despite Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey missing two spot-kicks, with Bertrand Traore and Youri Baas also failing to score.

Manager Francesco Farioli described the 25-minute shootout as “incredible.”

“The spirit and dedication of the team were amazing tonight,” he told Ziggo Sport. “We are not perfect, but we can’t say that the players didn’t give it their all.”

It is the second-biggest penalty shootout score in a European competition, narrowly behind Glentoran’s 14-13 defeat by Gzira United in Conference League qualifying last season.

The game went to a shootout after the Greek side won 1-0 in Amsterdam to level the tie at 1-1, with Tete scoring in the 89th minute before a goalless extra time.

Farioli added: “It’s difficult to go into a penalty shootout after a game like that. It may have taken a little longer, but we’ve taken another important step.”

Victory sets up a two-legged play-off against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok this month as Ajax look to reach the league phase.