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From the outset, it was evident that the penalty shootout would be lengthy.
As the match unfolded into a penalty shootout following a dramatic late equalizer by Panathinaikos, Argentine midfielder Daniel Mancini was first to step forward. His effort was tame, easily collected by Ajax’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, setting the tone for a shootout marked by a mix of blunders and brilliance.
With a staggering 34 penalties taken—setting a UEFA competition record—25 found the back of the net, two missed entirely, and seven were stopped by the goalkeepers. Pasveer impressively saved five, while Panathinaikos’ Bartlomiej Dragowski stopped two.
Ajax, despite having several chances to clinch the win, failed the initial four ‘match points’ but finally prevailed.
During the extended play, Ajax’s Brian Brobbey, known for his penalty prowess in his youth, was substituted in with penalties in mind. He faced the pressure twice, missing both shots, each crucial yet unsuccessful.
The shootout saw a mix of execution and errors. After Mancini’s initial miss, players like Steven Bergwijn and Kenneth Taylor from Ajax, and Tete from Panathinaikos, displayed impressive skills. However, the atmosphere intensified when Brobbey, usually reliable, had his penalty saved, dampening the stadium’s energy.
The drama continued with Tonny Vilhena, a Dutch midfielder who had played for Feyenoord, facing jeers from the Ajax crowd. His shot nearly trickled out but ended up in the net, momentarily silencing the Ajax supporters.
Jordan Henderson, surprising many by his participation, easily netted a shot, recalling his mixed history with penalties.
Mistakes followed from both teams, with Nemanja Maksimovic of Panathinaikos having his attempt saved, and Ajax’s Bertrand Traore sending his shot off-target. The tension led to a brief scuffle, resulting in cautions from referee Chris Kavanagh.
As the shootout dragged on, both goalkeepers shared a laugh amidst the tension, reflecting the surreal nature of the event. Despite additional saves and misses, including another crucial block against Ajax’s Youri Baas, the match extended well beyond a normal shootout.
In a dramatic twist, after many successful penalties, Brobbey returned with a chance to win for Ajax. His shot, however, soared high, adding to the night’s spectacle.
Vilhena, having earlier quieted the crowd, faced Pasveer again, only to be denied, marking Pasveer’s fifth save of the night and adding to his memorable performance.
The shootout, lasting 24 minutes, ended with Ajax’s Anton Gaaei finally securing a win with a low shot that Dragowski misjudged, concluding the marathon at 13-12 in favor of Ajax.
This record-setting shootout not only advanced Ajax to the next round but also left an indelible mark on all participants and spectators, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of football. The team now looks forward to a quieter match in their upcoming Eredivisie game.
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