Panathinaikos booked their place in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Viktoria Plzen, sealing qualification despite playing part of extra time with ten men. Following a 1–1 draw in the Czech Republic and a 3–3 aggregate scoreline, the Greek side held their nerve from the spot to progress.
The match began at a high tempo, with Panathinaikos once again turning to their in-form striker Andrews Tetteh. Having troubled Plzen in the first leg, he struck early again, combining neatly with Vicente Taborda before finishing clinically into the bottom corner to silence the home crowd.
Plzen gradually settled after the early setback and began asserting territorial control. Lukas Cerv set up Salim Lawal with a headed knockdown midway through the first half, but the effort drifted just over. Despite sustained pressure, the Czech champions struggled to seriously test Alban Lafont, who remained composed between the posts.
Just before the interval, Tetteh appeared poised to double the lead after breaking through the defensive line, only to see his penalty appeals dismissed following contact from Vaclav Jemelka.
After the restart, Plzen increased their urgency. Tomas Ladra forced Lafont into action with a long-range effort shortly after the hour mark, and from the resulting corner Patrik Hrosovsky delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Karel Spacil rose highest to head home the equaliser.
With the aggregate score level, both sides searched for a decisive moment. Renato Sanches and Ladra went close in quick succession, but neither could find the target. As fatigue crept in, extra time became unavoidable.
The momentum shifted further when Panathinaikos were reduced to ten men. Javi Hernandez was shown a straight red card for a push on Prince Abu, leaving the visitors to defend resolutely in the closing stages. Despite their numerical advantage, Plzen failed to capitalise. Sampson Dweh produced a crucial block to deny Facundo Pellistri, while late chances at either end lacked conviction.
The tie ultimately went to penalties.
Lafont immediately tilted the balance in Panathinaikos’ favour with a save from Amar Memic. Although Davide Calabria’s effort was kept out at the other end, composure prevailed for the Greek side. After a sequence of successful conversions, Cheick Souare’s miss proved decisive. Milos Pantovic calmly converted the final kick, sparking celebrations among the travelling support.
The result sees Panathinaikos advance to face either FC Midtjylland or Real Betis in the next round, moving them one step closer to matching their strongest Europa League campaigns of recent decades. For Viktoria Plzen, the exit will feel particularly harsh, having remained unbeaten across 90 and 120 minutes yet falling at the final hurdle.
