Dessers returns with a goal in the 94th minute and puts Panathinaikos in
According to Vi.
Context
Cyriel Dessers, after a long period of inactivity due to injuries, has once again become a key figure for Panathinaikos. With four goals in nine matches, the Nigerian striker has already demonstrated his ability to decide important games, as evidenced by his decisive goal in Sofia. His previous experience in the Europa Conference League, where he was top scorer in the 2021/22 season, could be an important asset for Panathinaikos in their European campaign.
Why this matters
Cyriel Dessers' goal in the 94th minute was crucial for Panathinaikos, guaranteeing the Greek team's passage to the Europa Conference League play-offs. This result not only highlights Dessers' importance in attack, but also reinforces the team's confidence in European competition, especially after a previous season marred by injuries for the striker. Dessers' performance could have a significant impact on the team's morale and its trajectory in the Europa Conference League.
Main conclusions
- Dessers returns with a goal in the 94th minute and puts Panathinaikos in the lead.
- Cyriel Dessers scored in the 94th minute on his return to the competition and took Panathinaikos to the Conference League play-offs, beating CSKA Sofia.
- Dessers maakt reputatie weer waar bij rentree in Griekenland.
Cyriel Dessers returned to compete and did so with a well-honed goalscoring instinct. The 31-year-old Nigerian striker came off the bench in Sofia and scored, in the 94th minute, the 1-2 that sealed Panathinaikos' passage to the play-off round of the Conference League, against CSKA Sofia. The goal arrived at the beginning of extra time and was enough to unlock a balanced tie, confirming the Greeks' presence in the final qualifying stage of the competition.
It was Dessers' first official appearance since December last year. Last season, the forward was limited by physical problems and only played seven games for Panathinaikos, but his return could not have been more eloquent: a goal that earned European qualification. With this goal, Dessers now has four goals in nine matches for the Athens team.
The goalscoring streak in the final moments is nothing new for the Nigerian international. In 2021/22, playing for Feyenoord, he was stuck with the nickname “Mister 92”, such was the frequency with which he appeared to decide in discounts. That season, the Conference League was a highlight for the striker: he scored ten goals in thirteen games and finished as the competition's top scorer, in a journey that led the Dutch to the final lost against Roma.
In Sofia, the script was similar again. Launched to breathe new life into the attack, Dessers took advantage of one of the few clear opportunities in extra time to score. The 1-2 calmed Panathinaikos and left CSKA with no room for response, sealing Greece's qualification for a play-off that is always treacherous, but where the Greeks arrive with morale boosted by the form of their striker.
The Conference League reserves the play-off round as the final filter for access to the main stage of the competition, so the Nigerian's goal is of particular importance for Panathinaikos' European calendar. More than a simple victory in August, it is a sign that Dessers is back to be decisive – as he has been so often in the recent past.
Without getting into euphoria, Panathinaikos sees its investment and patience rewarded with a reinforcement who knows the European stages well. For Dessers, who is smiling again after difficult months, the objective now is to continue this start on the right foot, keeping the goals burning when the time comes for the play-off decision.
What happens next
With this triumph, Panathinaikos advances to the play-off phase of the Europa Conference League, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined. The presence of Dessers, who has already proven to be decisive in critical moments, will be vital for the team's aspirations in the competition. The expectation is that Panathinaikos will use this momentum to improve its performance in the national league and the Europa Conference League, where the pressure for positive results increases.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between Panathinaikos and CSKA Sofia?
The result was 1-2 in favor of Panathinaikos.
How did Cyriel Dessers' goal impact the Europa Conference League standings?
Dessers' goal secured Panathinaikos' passage to the Europa Conference League play-offs.
When is Panathinaikos' next game in the Europa Conference League?
The date of Panathinaikos' next game in the Europa Conference League has not yet been specified.
How many goals has Cyriel Dessers for Panathinaikos so far?
Cyriel Dessers scores four goals in nine
matches for Panathinaikos.
When was the last time Cyriel Dessers played before this game?
Dessers' last official appearance was in December last year.