In a Europa League penalty shootout on Thursday, Ajax defeated Panathinaikos 13–12, needing 34 attempts from the spot to win the match.
At the Johan Cruyff Arena, penalties were used to settle the third-round qualifying match after the second leg score on the night ended 1-0 to the Greek visitors for 1-1 on aggregate.
After a combined total of 17 penalties for both sides, Anton Gaaei successfully converted his attempt to seal an unforgettable triumph.
Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer saved five penalties and even scored one himself.
“It was incredible,” said Ajax coach Francesco Farioli. “The spirit and commitment of the team were great tonight. We are not perfect, but we cannot say that the players did not give everything.”
He added: “But the match was fantastic. It is difficult to go into a penalty shootout after such a match. It may have taken a little longer, but we have taken an important step again.”
Ajax had led 1-0 from the first leg but the Greeks stayed alive thanks to an 89th-minute goal from Tete which sent the tie into extra-time.
The Dutch sides go on to face Jagiellonia Białystok of Poland in the play-off round next week.
