Chilean side Colo-Colo wrapped up its participation in the Rio de La Plata friendly series with a dramatic 4-3 win over Uruguayan giants Peñarol, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The thrilling encounter culminated in a marathon penalty shootout that required 18 attempts to determine a winner.
The shootout will be remembered, however, for a moment described by AS as one of the worst penalties in history.
Chilean international Zavala stepped up for Colo-Colo and attempted a daring Panenka-style penalty. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat: the ball dribbled weakly into the goalkeeper’s hands, allowing Peñarol to save with ease. Zavala then fell to the ground clutching his knee, confirming he had been injured during the attempt.
¡INSÓLITO! Zabala tuvo el penal para darle el triunfo a Colo Colo pero la quiso picar, se la atajó Aguerre y SE LESIONÓ.
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AS described the bizarre miss, noting: “Zavala tried to take this penalty kick in the style of Panenka, and the result was, as they say, one of the worst kicks ever. And to make matters worse, what happened next.”
The failed attempt triggered widespread ridicule on social media, making Zavala the subject of online memes and commentary.
The episode drew immediate comparisons to Moroccan star Brahim Diaz, who attempted a similar Panenka-style penalty against Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Like Zavala, Diaz struck the ball weakly, allowing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to make an easy save and squandering a golden opportunity that could have won Morocco the continental title.
Zavala’s penalty mishap adds to the growing list of failed Panenkas in high-profile matches, reminding players that the audacious technique carries high risk, especially under pressure.
