Ajax have won the home match against Panathinaikos after a series of nerve-wracking penalties in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. After ninety minutes of playing, the score was 0-1. A total of 34 penalties were needed to determine tonight’s winner. The final score after penalties was 13-12.
The match in the Johan Cruijff ArenA started slowly, after which the Amsterdam-based team regained control. Chuba Akpom had many chances at scoring the opening goal but saw most of his opportunities blocked by the Greek goalkeeper. In the 89th minute, Panathinaikos scored via Tetê, who found the net after a messy situation in the penalty box. Ajax managed to find the net one more time, but the goal was disallowed. After that, both teams failed to score in extra time.
After ninety minutes, the score was 1-1, which meant penalties. Both teams took a total of 17 penalties, but it was Ajax that won, thanks to Anton Gaaei slotting his attempt home.
The victory means Ajax are through to the next qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Next Thursday, Ajax will face the Polish Jagiellonia Białystok, but first up is an Eredivisie match against NAC in Breda. That match will start at 16:45 on Sunday.
Ajax – Panathinaikos 0-1 (Ajax wins after penalties)
89. Tetê 0-1
Ajax: Pasveer; Rensch (110. Bergwijn), Šutalo, Baas, Hato (99. Brobbey); Henderson, Taylor, Fitz-Jim (71. Van den Boomen); Berghuis (71. Gaaei), Akpom (60. Traoré), Forbs (61. Godts)