Panathinaikos has overcome Vikingur Reykjavik in the most dramatic of circumstances, scoring deep into injury time to qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Round of 16.
The “Trifylli” defeated their opponents 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium on Friday morning (AEDT) in the second leg of their UECL knockout round play-offs tie, progressing 3-2 on aggregated as a result.
The game was fiercely fought as the Icelandic club held out against the Greens’ attack and it was not until the 70th minute that they broke through, thanks to an excellent curling finish by left back Filip Mladenovic on his weaker right foot into the top right corner.
Panathinaikos pushed on for a winner and their efforts were rewarded in the 90+4th minute when a shot from Filip Djuricic was parried by goalkeeper Ingvar Jonsson into the path of winger Tete, who then finished the ball into the left side of the net to give his team a most crucial win.
It is notably the first time in 15 years that the “Trifylli” has secured a spot in the Round of 16 of a UEFA competition, the last time coming in the 2009/10 season.
The Greens will now face either Fiorentina or Rapid Wien in the next stage, with the draw to take place on Friday evening (AEDT).
PAOK was not as successful in the Europa League knockout round play-offs tie, with the Thessaloniki giants suffering a 2-0 away defeat to FCSB to lose 4-1 on aggregate and be eliminated from the tournament.
The hosts built on their 2-1 lead heading into the game on the half hour mark through winger Juri Cisotti before putting the contest to bed in the 81st minute via forward David Miculescu, who hit the ball home on the volley from a corner kick.
Pafos emerged victorious in their tie with Omonia, beating them 2-1 at home to secure a spot in the UECL’s Round of 16.
The home side struck first in the 28th minute after winger Bruno guided the ball in following a failed catch by goalkeeper Fabiano from a corner delivery.
The Nicosia club brought it level on the hour mark via striker Stevan Jovetic before the hosts restored their advantage five minutes later through defender Jonathan Silva, whose effort deflected off a defender and crept in off the right post.
Pafos will play either Lugano or Djurgårdens IF in the next round.
The goal procured Pafos of a berth in the next stage as they won the all-Cypriot affair 3-2 on aggregate.
APOEL’s UECL journey has come to an end after falling 0-2 away to NK Celje, losing the tie 4-2 on aggregate in the process.
The Slovenian club went in front right at the death of the opening half, with striker Armandas Kucys finding the back of the net with a corner header (45+4′).
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 51st minute, thanks to a composed finish by winger Tamar Svetlin into the bottom left.
