Panathinaikos Edge Viktoria Plzen on Penalties, Advance in Europa League

10-Man Panathinaikos beat Viktoria Plzen on penalties

Panathinaikos beat Viktoria Plzen 4-3 on penalties (3-3 agg) to advance to Europa League last 16, facing FC Midtjylland or Real Betis.

Panathinaikos edge Viktoria Plzen on Penalties, Advance in Europa League...

Panathinaikos made it through to the Europa League last 16. They saw off Viktoria Plzen on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw (1-1 in the Czech Republic).

The Greens had fallen behind in just 9 minutes. Andrews Tetteh scored for Plzen, combining with Vicente Taborda before firing low into the corner.

The home side gradually bounced back from the early blow. 21 minutes in, they crafted a nice move, with Lukas Cerv nodding down for Salim Lawal to fire just over.

Viktoria kept pushing, increasing their pressure as the half wore on. But Lafont in the Panathinaikos goal was solid, keeping out efforts from Ladra, Memic, and Cerv.

Tetteh had a chance to change the game just before halftime. He got behind the defense and went down under Jemelka's challenge, but the ref wasn't buying it - no penalty given.

The Czech side continued to pepper the Panathinaikos goal with half-chances after the break, but failed to make inroads until just after the hour mark, when Ladra tried his luck from range and forced Lafont to tip the strike around the post.

With the resulting corner, Patrik Hrosovsky delivered a precise ball to the back post, where Karel Spacil climbed highest to head home the equaliser.

Tetteh set up a great chance for Renato Sanches, but his effort flew just wide. Ladra's dipping shot was also on target, but it was blocked - and that was about it for clear chances in the last quarter.

In extra time, Tetteh was still the focal point for Panathinaikos, but his early header went wayward. Benitez's side needed a win, and they looked to him to deliver.

Things took a turn for the worse for Panathinaikos shortly before halftime. Javi Hernandez got a straight red for pushing Prince Abu, leaving them down to 10 men.

Despite the man advantage, Viktoria couldn't capitalize. They needed a huge Sampson Dweh block to keep out Facundo Pellistri's glorious chance. Djuricic's late header went straight at Florian Wiegele, and it was penalties.

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

Lafont gave the Greek side the advantage immediately by saving from Memic, only for Davide Calabria to waste it, as Wiegele kept out his tame effort.

The next four penalties were scored before Cheick Souare blasted his over the top. Karol Swiderski and Matej Valenta found the net, but so did Milos Pantovic with the final effort, sending Panathinaikos through. 

The 1971 European Cup finalists are now one round away from matching their best-ever UEL performances, while Viktoria exit the competition without a defeat in 90 or 120 minutes.