Panathinaikos Advances in Europa League After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Viktoria Plzeň

Panathinaikos secured their place in the Europa League round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Viktoria Plzeň on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The match, which ended 1-1 after extra time, saw Panathinaikos ultimately prevail 7-6 in the shootout following a red card issued to Javier Hernández in the 105+1 minute.

Match Summary

The match statistics revealed a closely contested affair, with Panathinaikos holding 57% of the possession compared to Plzeň’s 43%. Both teams recorded 2 shots on goal, while Plzeň had a slight edge in total shots with 5 to Panathinaikos’ 9. The game featured 22 fouls from Plzeň and 15 from Panathinaikos.

Key Moments

• 9th minute: Andreas Tetteh scored for Panathinaikos, giving them a 1-0 lead.
• 62nd minute: Karl Spáčil equalized for Viktoria Plzeň with a header, leveling the score at 1-1.
• 115th minute: Miloš Pantović was substituted on for Andreas Tetteh.
• 105+1 minute: Javier Hernández received a red card, leaving Panathinaikos with ten men for the remainder of extra time.
• Penalty Shootout: Miloš Pantović converted his penalty for Panathinaikos. Matěj Valenta and Denis Višinský scored for Plzeň, while Cheick Souaré missed. Filip Djuričić, Facundo Pellistri, and Patrik Hrošovský also converted their penalties. Davide Calabria missed for Panathinaikos, and Amar Memić’s penalty was saved, securing the win for Panathinaikos.

Player Changes

Panathinaikos:

• 91st minute: Ahmed Touba replaced by Javier Hernández
• 109th minute: Renato Sanches replaced by Karol Świderski
• 115th minute: Andreas Tetteh replaced by Miloš Pantović
• 76th minute: Vicente Taborda replaced by Facundo Pellistri
• 89th minute: Tasos Bakasetas replaced by Adam Gnezda Čerin

Viktoria Plzeň:

• 46th minute: Václav Jemelka replaced by Prince Adu
• 46th minute: Anass Zaroury replaced by Filip Djuričić
• 82nd minute: Karel Spáčil replaced by Alexandr Sojka
• 82nd minute: Lukáš Červ replaced by Matěj Valenta
• 82nd minute: Salim Fago Lawal replaced by Matěj Vydra
• 100th minute: Tomáš Ladra replaced by Jiří Panoš

Miloš Pantović’s Role

Miloš Pantović, the 23-year-ancient Serbian forward who joined Panathinaikos from TSC in August 2025, came on as a substitute in the 115th minute. He successfully converted his penalty in the shootout, contributing to Panathinaikos’ victory. Pantović signed a four-year contract with Panathinaikos for a fee of €1.5 million. He currently plays as a forward and wears jersey number 72.

Looking Ahead

Panathinaikos will now advance to the round of 16 of the Europa League. Viktoria Plzeň’s European campaign ends with this defeat. The draw for the next round will be held on [Date to be determined].