“Incredible” UEFA record game
Five penalties saved, one converted: keeper saves Ajax
Ajax Amsterdam is fighting its way into the Europa League playoffs – and how. In a historic penalty shootout, goalkeeper Remko Pasveer becomes the hero. The decision against Panathinaikos Athens only comes after the 34th penalty. This has never happened before in UEFA history.
34 penalties, 25 minutes of nerve-wracking thrillers – and the better ending for Ajax Amsterdam: The Dutch football record champions fought their way into the play-offs of the Europa League in a historic penalty shootout. Coach Francesco Farioli's team beat Panathinaikos Athens 13-12 from the penalty spot in the third qualifying round, their total of 34 attempts is a record for a UEFA competition.
The 40-year-old Ajax keeper Remko Pasveer became a hero, saving five penalties and converting one himself. “It was incredible,” said Farioli: “The spirit and commitment of the team was great. We're not perfect, but we can't say that the players didn't give their all.” It was difficult “to go to penalties after a game like that,” said the Italian: “It may have taken a little longer, but we have taken an important step again.”
The game was hard to beat in terms of drama: after 90 minutes it was still 1-0 for the Greek guests, Amsterdam had won the first leg a week ago with the same result. The Brazilian Tete only scored the goal for Athens in the 89th minute. Filipp Mladenovic from Athens missed as the 30th shooter from the point. Brian Brobbey then had the decision on his feet, but he dropped it again. He had already given away the “match point” when the score was 4:4. Then Tonny Vilhena failed before youngster Anton Gaaei kept his nerve. In the next round Ajax will now face the Polish representative Jagiellonia Bialystok.
