The Panathinaikos men's football team secured their place in the Conference League play-offs after a thrilling 2-1 victory over CSKA 1948 in Sofia. The match, which went into extra time, saw the Greek club edge out their Bulgarian opponents with goals from new signing Livai Garcia and returning forward Dessers. The result marks a significant milestone for the team as they advance to the next stage of European competition.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams showing strong performances. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a dramatic second half. In the 90th minute, Livai Garcia scored the opening goal for Panathinaikos, sending the crowd into celebration. However, CSKA 1948 equalized just before halftime, forcing the match into extra time.
In the added time, Dessers, who had been sidelined for eight months, delivered the decisive strike to secure the win. His goal not only sealed Panathinaikos' qualification but also highlighted his return to form. The victory underscores the team's resilience and depth, with key contributions from both established and emerging players. The play-offs will now test the squad's ability to maintain this level of performance against tougher competition.
