Lithuanian Champion Žalgiris Sets New Champions League Penalty Record
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The Lithuanian champion, Žalgiris, has unexpectedly been forced to finish their Champions League campaign after a record-breaking penalty shootout against Hamrūnas Spartans. The club’s journey in Europe’s premier competition concluded in a dramatic fashion, setting a new benchmark for penalty shootouts in the tournament.
Žalgiris secured a 2-0 victory in their home leg. Though, their Maltese rivals responded with an identical scoreline in the return fixture, forcing the match into extra time and subsequently a penalty shootout.This extended battle from the spot became the longest in Champions League history.
The penalty lottery saw Žalgiris ultimately fall 10-11, with a staggering 28 penalties taken to decide the winner. This remarkable tally surpasses the previous 32-year-old record.
The previous record for the most penalties in a champions League match stood at 21, observed in a first-round tie between Ljubljana’s “Olympia” and Riga. The recent Žalgiris match significantly eclipsed this, highlighting the intense and prolonged nature of the deciding shootout.
Looking at all UEFA tournaments, the longest penalty series on record occurred in 2024.In the third round of the Europa League, Ajax faced Panathinaikos, requiring 34 penalties to determine a victor. Ajax emerged triumphant in that encounter with a 13-12 scoreline.
Despite this Champions League setback, Žalgiris will continue their European campaign in the Conference League qualifiers. The Lithuanian club is set to face either Dublin’s “Shelbourne” from Ireland or belfast’s Linfield from northern ireland in their upcoming matches.
Evergreen Insights
The Champions league, established in 1992, is the most prestigious club football competition in Europe. It brings together top teams from across the continent, offering immense prestige and financial rewards. Penalty shootouts, while often dramatic, are a last resort to decide knockout ties when scores remain level after extra time. Records in such shootouts, like the one set by Žalgiris, underscore the fine margins and intense pressure involved in elite European football.
frequently Asked Questions
- What is the new Champions League penalty record set by Žalgiris?
- The new Champions League penalty record is 28 penalties taken in a single shootout,with Žalgiris losing 10-11.
- Who did Žalgiris play against in this record-breaking penalty shootout?
- Žalgiris played against Hamrūnas Spartans in this record-breaking penalty shootout.
- What was the previous record for penalties in a Champions League match?
- The previous record for penalties in a Champions League match was 21.
- Where will Žalgiris continue their European campaign after their champions League exit?
- Žalgiris will continue their European campaign in the Conference League qualifiers.
- Which teams will Žalgiris potentially face in the Conference League qualifiers?
- Žalgiris will potentially face either Dublin’s “Shelbourne” (Ireland) or Belfast’s Linfield (Northern Ireland).
- What is the longest penalty shootout recorded in all UEFA tournaments?
- The longest penalty shootout recorded in all UEFA tournaments involved Ajax and Panathinaikos,with 34 penalties taken.
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