Nigerian midfielder Salim Lawal could not help FC Viktoria Plzeň avoid elimination from the UEFA Europa League after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Panathinaikos F.C.
Plzeň exited the competition despite earning a 1-1 draw on the night and a 3-3 aggregate scoreline, eventually falling short in the shootout.
The hosts went behind early through Andrews Tetteh but gradually found their rhythm. Lawal was presented with a good opportunity in the first half when Lukáš Červ nodded the ball into his path, only for the Nigerian to fire narrowly over the bar.
Before making way in the 82nd minute, Lawal registered one shot, completed nine of his 14 passes, and recorded 25 touches of the ball in a disciplined midfield display as Plzeň pushed for control of the tie.
Karel Spáčil’s header from a Patrik Hrošovský corner levelled the contest just after the hour mark, but neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time.
Panathinaikos ultimately held their nerve in the penalty shootout to progress to the last 16, bringing Plzeň’s Europa League campaign to an end despite the Czech side remaining unbeaten in open play across both legs.
