Panathinaikos is one of the biggest football clubs in Greece, and its journey to the Intercontinental Cup Final in 1971 remains one of the most remarkable chapters in its history. This unique achievement came as a result of the club’s extraordinary campaign in the European Cup during the 1970-71 season, where the team reached the final and faced Johan Cruyff’s Ajax.

In 1971, Panathinaikos became the first and only Greek team to reach the European Cup final. Under the guidance of coach Ferenc Puskás, the legendary Hungarian footballer, and with players such as Antonis Antoniadis, Mimis Domazos, Takis Oikonomopoulos, and others, the “Prasinoi” made history. In the final, held at Wembley, Panathinaikos faced Cruyff’s era-defining Ajax side. Sadly, they lost 2-0, but nonetheless, their participation in the final was an achievement in itself.

When Ajax refused to participate in the 1971 Intercontinental Cup, the organizers invited Panathinaikos as the European Cup runners-up. “Prasinoi” were tasked with facing Nacional of Montevideo, the Latin American champions from Uruguay, in a two-legged tie for the title of the world’s best team.

Ajax declined to face Nacional due to the Uruguayan team’s reputation for rough play. Panathinaikos players discovered this reputation during the matches, particularly after Yiannis Tomaras suffered a serious injury that effectively ended his career. This shook the entire team.

Yiannis Tomaras played until 1980 but was never able to be the player he was after his injury.

The first leg took place at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Neo Faliro, Piraeus on December 15, 1971. Panathinaikos took the lead through Filakouris in the 48th minute, but two minutes later, Artime equalized for Nacional, and the match ended 1-1.

Veteran player Totis Filakouris recalls that moment:

“I believe Ajax made the right decision in refusing to play against this team.
I remember Tomaras’ injury; it was terrifying the way he got hurt. We were called
to represent Europe, and I think we accepted because we were unaware of the risks.
We could have won at Karaiskakis, and history might have been different.”

It should be noted that the match was held at Olympiacos’ home ground, Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, because Panathinaikos’ stadium, Leoforos Alexandras, was smaller. For financial reasons, it made sense for this contest to be played at a larger venue.

The second leg was held on December 29, 1971, at the "Centenario," the historic stadium where Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930. The hosts won 2-1 and claimed the trophy.

Despite the defeat in the finals, Panathinaikos’ participation in the Intercontinental Cup was a tremendous achievement. It was the first and only time a Greek team competed for the title of the world’s best team. This journey elevated Panathinaikos to the status of an international football club and inspired generations of Greek fans.

The Panathinaikos of 1971 will forever remain one of the greatest chapters in Greek football history, symbolizing dedication, passion, and sporting excellence. The clash with Nacional of Montevideo and their overall campaign serve as a reminder that with vision and persistence, dreams can become reality, even when faced with the greatest challenges.

The monumental occasion was captured on picture and film, a selection of which are below.