Cyriel Dessers’ extra-time penalty sends Panathinaikos through in Conference League thriller

Cyriel Dessers’ second goal of the night, a 125th-minute penalty, completed Panathinaikos’ 2-1 victory over Hradec Kralove and secured their place in the Conference League’s final stage.

The Nigeria international had earlier brought Panathinaikos level in the 72nd minute before taking responsibility from the spot in the dying moments of extra time in the Czech Republic. He waited for the goalkeeper to commit before calmly placing the ball into the opposite corner.

Dessers had already played a decisive part in the club’s European campaign during the third qualifying round, scoring the winning goal against CSKA Sofia. His contribution against Hradec Kralove ensured that Panathinaikos progressed after a demanding second leg.

The former Feyenoord striker has attracted widespread praise in the Greek media, although he remained composed after another match-winning display.

“Goal in Sofia, and off we go!” wrote Gazzetta in a lavish tribute to the forward. “He was in the right place at the right time in extra time. Goal, a ticket to the play-offs!”

The report also highlighted the way Dessers opened his account in Czechia with a typically composed finish before emerging as the decisive figure in the closing stages.

“With his experience, he stepped forward to take the penalty and did not miss,” it added. “He waited for the goalkeeper and sent the ball into the other corner. A saviour. He sealed Panathinaikos’ qualification. His goals are worth their weight in gold.”

Greek media reports calculated that Dessers has scored once every 72 minutes for Panathinaikos. One assessment said his form showed “how much easier life is when you have a striker who scores goals”, adding that his consistency suggested he could enjoy an impressive season.

Another report praised his “real passion for scoring” and his ability to beat opposing goalkeepers with “surgical precision”.

Ta Nea described the tie as a test of Panathinaikos’ resilience, saying the team had needed to break through “forty defensive lines”, withstand Hradec Kralove’s pressure and survive until extra time before winning 2-1 and qualifying for the Conference League group stage.

“The real hero of the match was Cyriel Dessers, scorer of both goals for the Trifilara as a substitute, the second coming from a penalty in the 125th minute,” the newspaper wrote.

Dessers played down the individual acclaim after the final whistle, instead focusing on the team’s progress.

“We are mainly happy to have qualified,” he said. “Many things have changed this summer: we have a new coach and this qualification has relieved some pressure from us. We now look to the future with confidence. It is always nice to score, and I am delighted to be able to contribute goals for the team. Together, we are improving.”

The 30-year-old could prove to be one of the season’s most influential new arrivals in Greece. Dessers joined Panathinaikos from Rangers last year but missed a significant part of the previous campaign because of injuries.

Thursday’s second leg was only his 11th appearance for the club. He has now scored six goals in those 11 matches, with his latest double carrying Panathinaikos into the next stage of European competition.