Ajax advanced to the Europa League qualification play-off round after defeating Panathinaikos 13–12 on penalties following a thrilling shootout that included 34 spot kicks.
Ajax’s winning kick came from defender Anton Gaaei, while goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, 40, saved five penalties and scored one.
Despite two missed penalty shots by Netherlands attacker Brian Brobbey and off-target efforts from Bertrand Traore and Youri Baas, the Dutch team prevailed.
“Incredible” was how manager Francesco Farioli described the 25-minute shootout.
“The spirit and dedication of the team were amazing tonight,” he told Ziggo Sport. “We are not perfect, but we can’t say that the players didn’t give it their all.”
It is the second-biggest penalty shootout score in a European competition, narrowly behind Glentoran’s 14-13 defeat by Gzira United in Conference League qualifying last season.
The game went to a shootout after the Greek side won 1-0 in Amsterdam to level the tie at 1-1, with Tete scoring in the 89th minute before a goalless extra time.
Farioli added: “It’s difficult to go into a penalty shootout after a game like that. It may have taken a little longer, but we’ve taken another important step.”
Victory sets up a two-legged play-off against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok this month as Ajax look to reach the league phase.