Dramatic Late Goal by Panathinaikos Ends Stunning Icelandic Fairytale in Athens

Panathinaikos have reached the last 16 of a European tournament for the first time since the 2009/10 season, recording a 2-0 victory over Vikingur Reykjavik. A stoppage-time goal from Tetê secured a 3-2 aggregate win in the UEFA Conference League.

The visitors entered the match with a slim advantage, having edged the first leg last week, and opted to focus on preserving their lead instead of pushing for an early goal.

Panathinaikos began the match brightly and enjoyed significant ball possession but struggled to create clear chances in the opening 20 minutes.

After successfully weathering an early onslaught, Vikingur found their rhythm and had the first significant chance when Ari Sigurpalsson, after rounding the goalkeeper, saw his attempt heroically cleared off the line by Sverrir Ingi Ingason.

With Valdimar Ingimundarson narrowly missing his shot, the hosts created several opportunities just before half-time. The best chance fell to Nemanja Maksimovic, who capitalised on a failed clearance from Vikingur, sending a shot just wide of the post.

With everything at stake, the second half burst into life with both teams producing chances in quick succession. The first solid opportunity fell to Fotis Ioannidis, whose low shot forced Ingvar Jonsson into a brilliant save, followed closely by another effort from Karol Swiderski that was also skillfully denied by Jonsson.

The pressure from the hosts eventually bore fruit with 20 minutes remaining, thanks to some poor defending from Vikingur.

After a series of scrappy exchanges in the visitors’ penalty box, the ball found its way to Filip Mladenovic, who elegantly created space before curling an exquisite shot into the top corner, bringing his team back into contention with his fifth career European goal.

In the closing moments of the match, Vikingur found it difficult to escape their half, yet they had a golden chance to take the lead during stoppage time when Sveinn Thorkelsson directed a header towards Bartlomiej Dragowski from a corner.

Thorkelsson’s missed opportunity proved costly moments later when Tete capitalised on Filip Duricic’s rebound to score a dramatic late winner, propelling Panathinaikos into the last 16 of the Conference League.