Epic Penalty Shootout: Ajax Wins 13-12 After 34 Kicks

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ajax Amsterdam advanced to the Europa League qualifying play-off round after prevailing over Panathinaikos in an extraordinary penalty shootout that lasted 25 minutes and required a staggering 34 spot-kicks.

After the Greek side won 1-0 in Amsterdam to level the tie at 1-1, the match headed into extra time, which ended without a goal. The penalty shootout commenced, with goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, aged 40, becoming the hero for Ajax.

Pasveer saved five penalties and even scored one himself, while defender Anton Gaaei netted the winning kick. Ajax’s victory was hard-fought, as Netherlands international Brian Brobbey missed two spot-kicks, and Bertrand Traore and Youri Baas also failed to convert their attempts.

Manager Francesco Farioli praised his team’s resilience and spirit, saying, “The spirit and dedication of the team were amazing tonight. We are not perfect, but we can’t say that the players didn’t give it their all.”

This triumph marks the second-highest penalty shootout score in European competition, just behind Glentoran’s 14-13 defeat by Gzira United in Conference League qualifying last season.

Ajax will now face Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok in a two-legged play-off for a place in the league phase.