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Panathinaikos survive Hradec Králové’s resistance in extra-time epic
Panathinaikos broke Czech hearts in the baking afternoon sun, surviving a gruelling 120-minute battle to edge Hradec Králové 2-1 after extra time in their Europa Conference League playoff round tie. The Greek giants were forced to dig deeper than they imagined against spirited underdogs who refused to buckle until the very last gasp.
Hradec Králové’s dream start turns to agony
The Czech minnows erupted in the 18th minute when their captain rose highest to thunder home a header from a perfectly floated free-kick, sending the compact Stadion Všesportovní ostrov into raptures. For 65 glorious minutes, Hradec’s compact 5-4-1 formation repelled everything Panathinaikos could muster, their goalkeeper producing two stunning reflex saves to preserve the lead.
Panathinaikos’ Greek grit prevails
The visitors’ pressure finally told in the 83rd minute when their Brazilian winger cut inside onto his weaker foot and curled a beauty into the far corner. Hradec’s legs began to betray them in extra time, and Panathinaikos’ winner came via a defensive lapse – a simple tap-in after the goalkeeper parried a powerful header straight into the striker’s path.
What this means for both clubs
For Panathinaikos, this was an escape that keeps their European dreams alive – but the manner of victory will concern their manager ahead of the group stages. Hradec Králové exit with heads held high, their fans singing long after the final whistle in recognition of a performance that announced them on the European stage.
