In a nail-biting encounter in the Czech Republic, Panathinaikos secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Victoria Plzen, winning 4-3 after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. The match saw Panathinaikos playing with ten men for a significant duration of the extra time following the red card issued to Hernández. The thrilling match began with a strong offensive from Plzen, but it was Panathinaikos that struck first through Tete, whose goal put them ahead and set the tone for a highly competitive fixture.

Tete’s early goal, his third in two matches against Plzen, ignited hopes for the Greek side as they aimed for a spot in the knockout stages of Europe’s prestigious tournament. Despite holding a lead, the match took a turn when Plzen equalized, and with the clock winding down, both teams couldn’t find a winner in the regulation time. The game proceeded to extra time, where Panathinaikos faced the daunting challenge of defending their lead with a man down, yet they held firm to take the match to penalties.

In the tense shootout, Panathinaikos showed skill and composure, converting four of their five penalty attempts while Plzen faltered under pressure, allowing the Greek team to advance in the competition. This victory not only signifies Panathinaikos’ resilience but also propels them further into the Europa League, showcasing their determination and growth as a team on an international stage.