Panathinaikos demonstrated resilience as they progressed to the Round of 16 in the Europa League, defeating Viktoria Plzen in a nail-biting penalty shootout, with a final score of 4-3 after a 1-1 draw in regular play. The match saw Panathinaikos take an early lead when Tetteh capitalized on a combination play to score a beautiful goal. However, as the match progressed, Plzen grew stronger and managed to equalize, pushing the game into penalties.

In the second half, the match shifted momentum as Plzen dominated with several threatening attempts, forcing the Panathinaikos goalkeeper Lafont into action multiple times. Plzen’s equalizer came through a corner situation where Spasil scored following a misjudged exit by Lafont, which highlighted the intensity and tight nature of the contest. The game was filled with emotional highs and lows for both teams as players battled fiercely for every opportunity.

Ultimately, Panathinaikos triumphed in the penalty shootout, showing their mental strength and determination. This victory not only secures their place in the next round but also boosts morale and confidence within the team as they await the announcement of their next opponent on Friday. It reflects a significant achievement for the club in European competition and underscores their competitive spirit.