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Dramatic Win! 10-Man Panathinaikos Stun Real Betis With Late Penalty
Athens, March 13, 2026 — In a pulsating Europa League Round of 16 first leg, Panathinaikos pulled off a stunning upset against Real Betis at the Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens.
Despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half, Panathinaikos snatched a dramatic 1-0 win courtesy of Vicente Taborda's 88th-minute penalty — earned after Diego Llorente's reckless challenge reduced Betis to 10 men as well. Congress.gov
Real Betis dominated the entire affair — controlling 68% of possession and registering 12 shots — but were unable to convert despite their superiority. Panathinaikos, on the other hand, made their 7 shots count at the crucial moment. CNN
The Greeks now head to Seville with a narrow but significant advantage. The second leg promises another intense battle, with Betis needing to overturn the deficit on home soil. Congress.gov
Next up: Return leg in Spain. Can Betis turn it around? 🏟️⚽