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Cyriel Dessers double sends Panathinaikos through in Conference League thriller
Cyriel Dessers scored twice, including a last-gasp extra-time penalty, as Panathinaikos beat Hradec Kralove 2-1 on the night and progressed 4-3 on aggregate in their Europa Conference League play-off.
The Nigerian striker came off the bench to make the decisive contribution, displaying the finishing instinct that has made him a threat in front of goal. His first strike arrived in the 72nd minute, putting Panathinaikos in front and giving the Greek side the advantage in the tie.
Hradec Kralove refused to surrender, however, and found an equaliser before the end of normal time. The goal sent the contest into extra time, leaving both sides needing one decisive moment to avoid a penalty shootout.
That moment came in the fifth minute of second-half injury time in extra time, when Dessers was given the opportunity to settle the tie from the penalty spot. With the match seemingly heading towards spot kicks, he kept his composure and converted the penalty with virtually the final kick of the game.
The goal secured Panathinaikos’ passage into the group stage of the competition and completed a dramatic 4-3 aggregate success. Dessers’ late intervention also left the home supporters heartbroken after Hradec Kralove had fought back to extend the match beyond 90 minutes.
The performance was particularly significant for Dessers, who was included in the Super Eagles squad for the last Africa Cup of Nations. He was forced to leave the camp after suffering an injury, which ruled him out of the tournament.
Having been introduced as a substitute against Hradec Kralove, he ultimately became the central figure in Panathinaikos’ victory. His opening goal gave the visitors the lead, while his calm finish from 12 yards ensured that the tie did not have to be decided by a shootout.
Panathinaikos’ 2-1 win on the night means they advance with a 4-3 aggregate victory, while Dessers leaves the contest with both goals for his side. His contribution came at the most important moments: first to put Panathinaikos ahead and then to seal their progress with the final decisive kick.
