Panathinaikos knock Marseille OUT of Champions League qualifiers

Panathinaikos delivered a stunning upset against Marseille, triumphing in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rangers have set the stage for a showdown with PSV Eindhoven.

In the third qualifying round, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nullified Panathinaikos’ 1-0 lead from the first leg by notching his debut Marseille goal within the initial two minutes at the Stade Velodrome. The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker completed the comeback just before halftime, capitalizing on Jonathan Clauss’ precise low cross to net his second goal of the match.

However, a dramatic twist unfolded as Matteo Guendouzi’s vehement penalty appeal was dismissed moments before the end. But VAR intervened, penalizing the Marseille midfielder for a handball, leading to Fotis Ioannidis converting a crucial 99th-minute spot-kick to level the aggregate score and force extra time.

In a tense encounter where Vitinha’s goal was disallowed by VAR due to an offside call against Ismaila Sarr during the buildup, Panathinaikos held their ground, pushing the match to a penalty shootout.

Panathinaikos emerged victorious, prevailing 5-3 in the shootout, with goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli’s earlier save from Guendouzi proving pivotal. As a result, Panathinaikos is set to face Braga in the next round, with the prospect of securing their first appearance in the group stage of the Champions League in over a decade awaiting the winners.

FT: Marseille 2-1 PANATHINAIKOS (2-2 / 5-7 Penalties)