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The Top 10 Longest Penalty Shootouts of All Time

Occasionally, even penalty shootouts fail to determine a winner between two teams.
Anna Ciao
By: Anna Ciao

You've probably seen it countless times on social media: that brief video clip of a goalkeeper celebrating wildly after blocking a crucial penalty in a dramatic shootout, only for the ball's wicked backspin to cruelly carry it over the goal line as he dashes, both elated and bewildered, out of view.

This memorable incident, widely shared on Football Twitte, unfolded during a Europa League preliminary round match between Glentoran from Northern Ireland and visiting Maltese team Gzira United. However, this moment was just one highlight of an extraordinary shootout.

When the showdown finally concluded, Gzira emerged victorious after an epic battle that spanned a staggering 28 penalty kicks, with 27 of them finding the net. This monumental shootout easily ranks among the top 10 longest in recorded football history. Curious to know which other matches made the list? Keep reading to find out...

10. Villarreal 11-10 Manchester United (22 penalties)

The 2021 Europa League final turned out to be a dismal night for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. Despite his efforts, he couldn't block any of Villarreal's 11 penalties, and to make matters worse, his own attempt was saved by Villarreal's Geronimo Rulli.

This crucial save secured Villarreal their first major trophy in their history, leaving de Gea as a mere footnote in their moment of triumph. It was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow for the Old Trafford number one.

9. Macclesfield Town 11-10 Forest Green Rovers (24 penalties)

In 2001, Macclesfield and Forest Green faced off in the first round of the FA Cup. What started as a typical match turned into an extraordinary marathon lasting three and a half hours and culminating in 24 penalty kicks.

Ultimately, it was the second attempts of the initial penalty takers, Kevin Langan and Lee Glover, that determined the outcome. Langan missed his shot, sending it skyward, while Glover confidently slotted his home, securing a victory and setting up a subsequent match against Swansea City.

8. Brockenhurst 15-14 Andover Town (30 penalties)

In a highly anticipated match from the Hampshire Senior Cup, Brockenhurst and Andover engaged in a memorable shootout that set a record for the most consecutive penalties scored in an English shootout. However, the drama didn't end there, as Andover missed the 30th spot kick, ultimately deciding the outcome of the match. Truly a display of nerves of steel from both sides.

7. Olympiacos 15-14 AEK Athens (30 penalties)

A scenario reminiscent of Brockenhurst and Andover's epic showdown unfolded in a Greek Cup final between two prominent clubs. Following a thrilling 4-4 draw in regular and extra time, spectators witnessed a historic shootout. With twenty-nine penalties expertly dispatched and one crucial miss, the decisive moment arrived, orchestrated by the silver fox goalkeeper, Antonis Nikopolidis. Truly iconic.

6. Liverpool 14-13 Middlesbrough (30 penalties)

Once more, the magic number of thirty penalties marked an unforgettable moment. In 2014, during the era when the Carabao Cup bore the name of the Capital One Cup, Middlesbrough came agonizingly close to upsetting Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool. Patrick Bamford's injury-time strike forced extra time and eventually a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. However, it was Albert Adomah's miss that sealed Boro's fate, sending them crashing out of the tournament.

5. Scunthorpe United 14-13 Worcester City (32 penalties)

That year, however, witnessed an even longer English shootout spectacle. Scunthorpe and Worcester battled it out in a 32-kick marathon during the FA Cup, setting a new record for the longest shootout in the competition's history.

For Scunthorpe striker Miguel Llera, the relief was palpable. After missing his initial penalty attempt, he redeemed himself by slotting home the winner in his subsequent opportunity, following City's Wayne Thomas's saved effort.

4. Netherlands U21 13-12 England U21 (32 penalties)

Extended shootouts aren't exclusive to senior football matches. In 2007, England's U21 team found themselves locked in a tense battle with the Netherlands that could only be resolved through penalty kicks.

In a scenario typical of English football, the Young Lions were eliminated from the semi-finals of the European Championships after Anton Ferdinand's penalty struck the crossbar. However, this outcome was preceded by numerous other penalty attempts, prolonging the drama.

3. Old Wulfrunians 19-18 Lane Head (44 penalties)

Adding some non-league excitement from the Midlands, we have the JW Hunt Cup showdown, which briefly held the title for the longest shootout in English history. This marathon of penalty kicks followed a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time. In a delightful twist of fate that only amateur football can provide, the winning penalty was calmly slotted home by left-back Jack Marsh. Interestingly, Marsh is not only a footballer but also a teacher by profession, and happens to be the son of the club secretary, Simon, adding a touch of familial charm.

2. KK Palace 17-16 Civics (48 penalties)

Taking a trip to Namibia, a land famous for its wildlife and diamonds, but also for an astonishing event in the 2005 domestic cup final: a never-ending penalty shootout.

At first glance, you might question the numbers - 48 penalties resulting in only 33 goals? The explanation lies in the quality of the kicks, with a staggering 15 of them failing to find the back of the net. Despite this, in terms of sheer number of penalties, this shootout firmly secures the second spot on the list.

1. Washington 25-24 Bedlington (54 penalties)

In a remarkable turn of events, the title for the longest penalty shootout in football history belongs to two non-league clubs hailing from the North East of England. With just 40 spectators in attendance at the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup last year, Washington and Bedlington put on a show that far exceeded expectations.

A staggering 54 penalty kicks were required to determine a winner, surpassing the previous record set in Africa almost two decades earlier. Despite the modest turnout, those present were treated to an unforgettable display of determination and resilience from both sides.

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Anna Ciao
Written by: Anna Ciao
Anna Ciao is a sports content contributor at Betimate. Born and raised in a rural village in China, I have had a passion for football and various sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, from a young age. Along with diligent studies, I achieved an IELTS score of 8.0 in the English language, and I have become a content contributor specializing in sports, particularly football, as I am today. I hope that my articles are helpful to readers.

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