Frank Christian
The 2024/25 Europa League is still ongoing with heavyweight teams like Athletic Bilbao, Manchester United, and others vying for glory in the final on May 21, 2025, in Bilbao.
One of the qualifying matches in the tournament took place in the Netherlands, where Ajax and Panathinaikos faced off in a remarkable game.
Although Ajax won the first leg in Greece, Panathinaikos fought back in the return leg, leading to an intense penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Record-Breaking Penalty Shootout
In a historic penalty shootout, Ajax emerged victorious after an astonishing 34 spot-kicks, setting a new record in UEFA continental competitions.
After a goal from Tete in the 89th minute leveled the score, the match went to extra time and eventually to penalties, where both teams displayed remarkable accuracy from the spot.
Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, aged 40 and without a single appearance in the previous season, played a pivotal role by saving five penalties and converting his own spot-kick.
The shootout broke the previous Europa League record set in 2020 by Shamrock Rovers and Ilves Tampere, highlighting the drama and excitement of the competition.
Ajax’s next challenge is a clash with Jagiellonia Bialystok in the final qualifying round of the Europa League.
