Cyriel Dessers Fires Panathinaikos into Conference League Final Round With Stunning Comeback Goal

Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers delivered a sensational return from injury, rising off the bench to propel Panathinaikos into the final stage of the Conference League qualifying rounds.

The Nigerian international came on in the 65th minute to replace Elmin Rastoder, and he did not waste time reminding everyone what he brings to the pitch.

With the tie hanging on a knife-edge at 1-1 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate, the clinical striker stepped up in extra time.

In the 95th minute, Dessers latched onto a brilliant Giorgos Kyriakopoulos delivery, firing home to seal a 2-1 victory at the Stadion Vasil Levski and secure a 3-2 aggregate triumph.

Following a cagey, goalless first half, Levi García had initially handed the Greens the lead right at the hour mark.

However, a late 87th-minute equaliser from Lasha Dvali restored hope for the hosts, pushing the intense clash into extra time before the Super Eagles hero stole the spotlight.

This high-stakes winner marked Dessers’ first match and first goal of the season after a grueling eight months on the sidelines.

The former Rangers frontman had spent 240 days recovering from a severe injury setback, with his last competitive appearance dating back to December 2025.

His match-winning cameo proved to be the spark the Shamrock needed. Thanks to his clinical finish, the Greek giants now advance to the decisive playoff round, where a high-profile showdown against either Besiktas or Hradec Králové awaits.