In a night brimming with drama at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis, Go Ahead Eagles produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Panathinaikos 2-1, dealing a major blow to the Greek side’s UEFA Europa League ambitions and electrifying the Dutch club’s campaign.

Panathinaikos, cheered on by a crowd of 18,808, began the contest with promise. They carved out early chances through Tetê, who threatened from distance but failed to hit the target with a pair of speculative left-footed efforts. The breakthrough arrived in the first half, when Karol Swiderski rose highest to meet Tetê's expertly delivered corner, sending a precise header into the top right corner to give the hosts the lead.

The home side’s control was tested as Go Ahead Eagles gradually grew into the match. Panathinaikos sought to double their advantage—attempts from Vicente Taborda and Filip Djuricic tested the Eagles’ Belgian goalkeeper, Jari De Busser—but found no reward.

The game's complexion changed dramatically after the interval. Go Ahead Eagles pressed higher and, on 67 minutes, found a deserved equalizer. Milan Smit was the hero, finishing smartly from close range after Dean James’ incisive cross carved open the Panathinaikos defense. The visitors sensed vulnerability, and Smit struck again, this time latching onto another precise ball from James and firing past Alban Lafont for his second of the night—sending the away supporters into raptures and Panathinaikos into despair.

Desperate to salvage a result, Panathinaikos poured forward, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted. Zaroury and Bakasetas both saw shots blocked or sail wastefully over, while De Busser produced a crucial late save to deny Djuricic from the heart of the penalty area.

The final whistle confirmed a historic win for Go Ahead Eagles, who leave Athens with all three points and a huge statement made in Group Stage Round 2. For Panathinaikos, the loss compounds injury woes and heaps pressure on manager Ivan Jovanović ahead of a daunting European schedule.

Key Moments:

• Swiderski’s opener (Panathinaikos, first half)
• Smit double (Go Ahead Eagles, 67', 78')
• De Busser’s late heroics to preserve the lead

Implications: Go Ahead Eagles surge into contention in Group Stage standings, while Panathinaikos, after a promising start, must regroup quickly if they are to progress.