Panionios lost in a penalty shootout to Szeged in Hungary in the final of the LEN Trophy, one of Europe’s most prestigious waterpolo trophies.
After their 8-6 win at the first leg in Nea Smyrni, Panionios had a two-goal advantage to defend.
They started brightly leading the game 3-1, but the Hungarians fought their way back and took a commanding 9-5 lead.
Just when it all seemed lost, Panionios got to shut out their opponents and cut the deficit in half (9-7), which, unfortunately, was the final score after the end of the regular time.
In overtime Panionios scored two goals to get on levels terms on the night (9-9) and two ahead on aggregate, but Szeged replied with two goals of their own with just over a minute left on the clock.
Heartbreakingly, Szeged won 5-3 in penalties and claimed the LEN Trophy.
Panonios fans were bitterly disappointed after such a hard fought battle.
So close, yet so far!