Vinicius Tobias nearly became the hero for "Shakhtar" in the 88th minute when his precise cross led to a header that struck the post, but the Ukrainian side ultimately fell to "Panathinaikos" in a penalty shootout after a tense 0-0 draw.
The Greek team converted their spot kicks more efficiently, winning 4-3 in the shootout to advance to the next round of Europa League qualification following Thursday's match at Henryk Reyman Stadium in Krakow.
Shakhtar's task became significantly more difficult in the 82nd minute when Oleh Ocheretko received a red card, forcing the Donetsk club to play with ten men for the remainder of regulation and through extra time.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, "Shakhtar" created what was perhaps the match's best opportunity just minutes before the final whistle. Tobias delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area that, after a deflection, found Neverton whose header rattled the woodwork. Almost immediately afterward, Alisson Santana threatened with a low drive that narrowly missed the target.
By the way, Neverton had actually put the ball in the net during the first half, only to have his celebration cut short when the referee disallowed the goal for offside.
The result means "Panathinaikos" advances following two goalless draws in regular time across both legs. For "Shakhtar," it's a bitter pill to swallow - how different might things have been had Neverton's header been just centimeters lower?
The Ukrainian side, still playing their home matches in Poland due to the ongoing conflict at home, will now refocus on domestic competition while their Greek opponents continue their European journey.
