Greece’s reigning champions Olympiacos proved to be ‘too much’ for Arsenal and defeated the London-based side 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium in the British capital on Tuesday evening. This was the first win for Olympiacos on British soil for the Champions League, after 12 previous, unsuccessful forays.
The scored opened for the ‘Reds’ in the 33rd minute with Felipe Pardo, only for Theo Walcott to equalize the game for Arsenal two minutes later. Pardo’s goal was enough to get the 3,000 Olympiacos fans in the stands of the Emirates to cheer their team on, who did not have to wait long. Kostas Fortounis executed a corner kick in the 40th minute, with Arsenal goalie David Ospina fumbling, thus putting the Reds back in the lead.
With the Piraeus side taking the lead once more, Arsenal was in a difficult spot and increased the pressure in the second half. Eventually Arsenal’s Alexis Sánchez equalized the game once more in the 65th minute, however the joy was short-lived, as Alfred Finnbogason – who replaced Ideye Brown at half-time – put the Reds in the lead once more. Despite their efforts, Arsenal was unable to get back into the game, as Olympiacos coach defensive line was impenetrable.
In the other game of the group Bayern Munich defeated Dinamo Zagreb 5-0. Olympiacos faces the Croatian side on the 20th of October.
