Thrilling extra-time qualification for Panathinaikos
The "Greens" prevailed 2-1 in extra time (1-1 regular time) in Sofia and secured a place in the play-offs with an aggregate score of 3-2.
In a game full of tension and suspense at the "Vasil Levski National Stadium", Panathinaikos achieved a great qualification in extra time against CSKA 1948 with a score of 2-1 (1-1 regular time), sealing their ticket to the next phase of the Conference League qualifiers with an aggregate score of 3-2.
Lead with Levi Garcia and equalizer at the end
After a goalless first half, Panathinaikos managed to open the scoring in the 60th minute, when Levi Garcia found the net and gave the visitors the lead. Jakob Nystrup's team controlled the match with 53% possession and created a total of 22 attempts, 11 of which were on target.
However, the Bulgarian team did not give up. In the 87th minute, Lasha Dvali capitalized on CSKA 1948's opportunity and equalized to 1-1, sending the match into extra time, as the first game in Athens had also ended in a 1-1 draw.
Dessers provided the solution in extra time
In the extra five minutes, the "Greens" entered determined to secure qualification. In just the 94th minute, Cyriel Dessers, who had come on as a substitute in the second half, scored the golden goal, making it a final 2-1.
Despite the pressure from the hosts in the final minutes of extra time, Panathinaikos maintained their lead until the final whistle from referee Jasper Vergoote and celebrated a well-deserved qualification.