- Matteo Guendouzi’s penalty miss led to Marseille’s exit from the Champions League.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice for Marseille, but Guendouzi’s conceded penalty in the 99th minute turned the game’s tide.
- Fans expressed mixed reactions, with some sympathising and others making light-hearted comments.
Eventful evening at Stade Velodrome
The evening at Stade Velodrome was packed with excitement and drama. Guendouzi, once seen in the colours of Arsenal, now represents Marseille, a side that now also features his ex-Arsenal captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
As Marseille clashed with Panathinaikos, the scales tipped for Marseille when Aubameyang netted goals in quick succession, putting Marseille ahead in the contest.
Their joy was, however, short-lived, as Guendouzi, unfortunately, conceded a penalty in the final moments of the game.
Fotis Ioannidis, representing Panathinaikos, confidently converted the penalty, drawing both teams level and pushing the game into extra-time.
Though both sides displayed intent during the extra 30 minutes, neither was able to break the deadlock.
The ultimate showdown – Penalty shoot-out
When a football game boils down to penalties, it often becomes a game of nerves rather than skill.
Guendouzi, with the weight of his earlier error on his shoulders, was the first to represent Marseille.
However, fate seemed to turn its back on him again, as his shot was expertly saved by Panathinaikos’ goalkeeper, Alberto Brignoli.
With the remaining penalties successfully converted by both teams, Guendouzi was left visibly distressed, bearing the brunt of his team’s exit from the Champions League.
Reactions and reflections
Football, being the unpredictable sport that it is, often gives rise to passionate reactions from fans and pundits alike.
Some fans took to social media to comment on the match, with reactions ranging from humorous jabs to sympathetic messages.
One fan’s remark, “Can take the man out of Arsenal etc etc,” alluded to Guendouzi’s previous association with the North London club.
Yet, others focused on his hair, humorously suggesting that a haircut might have changed his luck.
