Key Takeaways:
- Panathinaikos advanced to the UEFA Europa League Last 16 following a penalty shootout victory over Viktoria Plzen, with the aggregate score tied at 3-3 after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic
- The Shamrock played extra time with ten men after Javi Hernandez received a straight red card shortly before the break in extra time
- Panathinaikos will face either FC Midtjylland or Real Betis in the next round
Match Analysis
With the tie level after the first leg, Andrews Tetteh wasted little time in making his presence felt once again, putting Panathinaikos ahead after only nine minutes. Linking up efficiently with Vicente Taborda, Tetteh expertly steered his finish into the bottom corner, drawing first blood in the Czech Republic.
Viktoria Plzen responded positively to the early goal, gradually regaining momentum. Their first significant opportunity arose in the 21st minute when Lukas Cerv cushioned a header down for Salim Lawal, who fired narrowly over the bar. Despite continued probing by Tomas Ladra, Amar Memic, and Cerv, Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alban Lafont remained largely untroubled throughout the first half.
The visitors nearly doubled their advantage before half-time as Tetteh raced clear and went down under pressure from Vaclav Jemelka, but his penalty claims were dismissed by the referee.
Ελλάς – Ευρώπη – Παναθηναϊκός! Σπουδαία πρόκριση για την Τριφυλλάρα μας στα πέναλτι! Φύγαμε για τους 16! #Panathinaikos #PAOFC #PLZPAO #UEL #GB32 pic.twitter.com/dQTYw4od2c
— Panathinaikos F.C. (@paofc_) February 26, 2026
Second Half and Extra Time Drama
After the interval, Viktoria Plzen steadily increased their attacking presence, although genuine openings were hard to come by. That changed just beyond the hour mark when Ladra tested Lafont with a strike from distance, forcing a smart save. From the ensuing corner, Patrik Hrosovsky delivered to the back post, allowing Karel Spacil to rise above the defence and head home the equaliser.
Both sides searched for a winner, with Tetteh setting up Renato Sanches for a narrowly wide attempt, before Ladra sent another effort just over. However, neither side could find a decisive breakthrough in regular time, sending the contest into extra time.
Panathinaikos continued to rely on Tetteh’s attacking threat, but clear chances proved scarce. Their hopes were dealt a blow shortly before the extra-time interval when Javi Hernandez was penalised for pushing Prince Abu and received a straight red card, reducing his side to ten men.
Penalty Shootout Decider
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Panathinaikos held firm during the remainder of extra time, with Sampson Dweh producing a vital block to deny Facundo Pellistri, and Florian Wiegele keeping out a late header from Filip Djuricic.
The decisive moment came from the spot. Lafont handed the visitors an early advantage by saving from Amar Memic, although Davide Calabria failed to capitalise as his effort was saved by Wiegele. Both teams found the net with their subsequent penalties until Cheick Souare fired over. Karol Swiderski and Matej Valenta converted, but it was Milos Pantovic who netted the crucial penalty to seal Panathinaikos’ progression.
Statistical Overview
| Aggregate Score | 3-3 |
|---|---|
| Match Score | 1-1 (Panathinaikos away at Viktoria Plzen) |
| Red Cards | Javi Hernandez (Panathinaikos) |
| Final Result | Panathinaikos won on penalties |
| Panathinaikos Penalty Miss | Davide Calabria |
| Viktoria Plzen Penalty Misses | Amar Memic, Cheick Souare |
| Next Opponent | FC Midtjylland or Real Betis |
