London –
Arsenal collapsed 0-1 against Olympiacos in the second leg of the last 16 Europa League. Even though they lost, the Gunners still went to the quarter-finals because they were 3-2 on aggregate.
Arsenal host Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium, Friday (19/3/2021). The Gunners were overthrown by guests 0-1.
The only goal for Olympiacos’ victory was made by Youssef El-Arabi in the 51st minute. Despite losing, Arsenal still have the right to advance to the quarter-finals.
They were 3-2 ahead on aggregate. This is because in the first leg at Olympiacos headquarters, London Cannon won 3-1.
The course of the match
Arsenal spread the threat first when the game was 17 minutes. Nicolas Pepe is freed from the offside trap after receiving a pass from Dani Ceballos on the right.
He was able to get past Olympiacos goalkeeper Jose Sa. However, Pepe’s shot towards the empty goal, left by Sa, was still wide.
Three minutes later Olympiacos responded. They gave birth to golden opportunities to score goals.
Sa’s long ball was able to go to Youssef El Araby. He then stabbed into the penalty box before releasing a hard kick.
This Olympiacos effort was neatly thwarted by Bernd Leno. He can well block the ball with his foot.
Both teams failed to score until halftime. Score remains goalless.
After the break, Olympiacos was able to surprise Arsenal in the 51st minute. El-Arabi’s action was able to shake Leno’s nets.
Al-Arabi moved on the left side of the Arsenal penalty box after receiving Giorgos Masouras’ ball. He then stabbed to release a hard kick.
His shot ball hit Gabriel, turning a corner and outwitting Leno. Olympiacos winning 1-0.
Behind, Arsenal tried to equalize. Their efforts almost paid off in the 59th minute.
Pepe grabbed Kieran Tierney’s bait from the left side in the penalty box. However, Pepe’s hard kick hit Emile Smith-Rowe who was standing in front of the goal.
Pepe again failed to convert his chances into goals in the 78th minute. Having very good space to open a shot in the penalty box, Pepe’s kick was weak, leading to Sa’s embrace.
In the 80th minute, it was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s turn to waste an opportunity. From a quick counterattack, he sped up to stay face to face with Sa. However, his kick went wide.
In the 83rd minute, Olympiacos must play with 10 players after Ousseynou Ba received a second yellow card. Arsenal failed to take advantage of the number of players. Score 1-0 for Olympiacos’ advantage to close the match.
Lineups of Players
Arsenal: Bernd Leno; Hector Bellerin (Calum Chambers 81′), David Luiz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Mohamed Elneny (Thomas Partey 57′), Granit Xhaka; Nicolas Pepe, Dani Ceballos (Martin Oedegaard 57′), Emile Smith Rowe (Gabriel Martinelli 81′); Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Olympiacos: Jose Sa; Sokratis, Ousseynou Ba, Jose Holebas; Thanasis Androutsos (Bruma 63 ‘), Yann M’Vila, Mohamed Camara, Oleg Reabciuk (Kenny Lala 85’); Giorgos Masouras (Lazar Randjelovic 63 ‘), Youssef El-Arabi, Konstantinos Fortounis (Andreas Bouchalakis 85’).
Watch Video “Olympiacos wins, the Gunners continue to advance to the quarterfinals“
[Gambas:Video 20detik]
(pur / ran)
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