Champions league: Olympiacos 2 - 0 ManU

[Karl]

Clinical Olympiacos take command of United tie

Published: Tuesday 25 February 2014, 22.50CET

by Vassiliki Papantonopoulou
from Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis

Olympiacos FC 2-0 Manchester United FC
David Moyes's men have it all to do after Alejandro Domínguez's nimble flick and a fine Joel Campbell strike earned the hosts a famous win.

Olympiacos FC are within touching distance of a UEFA Champions League quarter-final place for the first time in 15 years after sailing to a comfortable 2-0 victory against Manchester United FC in Piraeus.

Alejandro Domínguez gave the hosts a deserved lead seven minutes before half-time with a clever flick to divert Giannis Maniatis's shot past the wrong-footed David de Gea. Joel Campbell, on loan from Arsenal FC, doubled the advantage ten minutes after the restart and United never looked like getting back into it. The English champions will need to improve drastically to turn this tie around on 19 March at Old Trafford.

With Kostas Mitroglou joining Fulham FC on 31 January, Olympiacos no longer possess an attacking reference point in the opposition area. Coach Míchel turned that to his side's advantage, encouraging his forward players to drive at United and try their luck from range. It soon appeared an astute approach.

Inside eight minutes Domínguez surged into the box and, with United backing off, the Argentinian playmaker seemed certain to score – only for Nemanja Vidić to come in with an excellent tackle. Hernán Peréz also went for a solo run in the 26th minute, cutting inside from the left and firing a low shot that flew wide of the near post.

United enjoyed possession but not creativity. Olympiacos goalkeeper Roberto and the defensive duo of Kostas Manolas and Iván Marcano dealt with any high balls launched into the area and full-backs Leandro Salino and José Holebas commanded the flanks.

Míchel's plan paid dividends with the interval looming. After Campbell's cross was headed clear, Maniatis collected the ball on the edge of the box. His low strike went through a forest of legs, with Domínguez executing a clever flick to deflect the ball and catch De Gea off-guard.

Olympiacos did not sit on their cushion, instead seeking to extend it and they soon had United reeling as the 21-year-old Campbell picked up a loose ball and, after evading Michael Carrick, sent a delicious curling shot past De Gea. His maiden UEFA Champions League goal could not have been better timed.

David Moyes shuffled his pack, bringing on Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa, but the evening was all about Olympiacos. Michael Olaitan almost made it 3-0 and even when United pushed on in the last ten minutes they lacked composure at the crucial moments. Robin van Persie had the goal at his mercy at one point but, after doing the hard part, speared his attempt over the bar. It summed up United's night.
.
©UEFA.com 1998-2014. All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionslea...ort/index.html

[Karl]

Míchel flying but keeps Olympiacos grounded

Published: Tuesday 25 February 2014, 23.58CET

Míchel was all smiles as he reflected on Olympiacos FC's victory over Manchester United FC but warned: "Anyone who thinks 2-0 is enough to qualify is mistaken."

Míchel, Olympiacos coach
To beat a great side like United in the manner we beat them is very special. I can't hide my joy. I feel proud of my players. It was a great moment for us.

But we must look ahead to the second leg. We still have the match at Old Trafford. We expect a different United at Old Trafford, we have huge respect for them. Anyone who thinks 2-0 is enough to qualify is mistaken: 2-0 is not enough to get through against United at Old Trafford. We have to keep on working to make it through and make history.

Our team is becoming more and more of a team as time goes on. We were preparing for this game for a long time in silence. We picked the best moment to show that Greek football is alive and kicking. And that Olympiacos can take on great sides like United. [Wayne] Rooney and [Robin] van Persie are great players and we are glad we beat them today. But the second leg is still to come.

David Moyes, Manchester United manager
That's the worst we've played in Europe, we didn't deserve to get anything. I'm surprised, I didn't see that level of performance coming. I take responsibility, we have to play better. The players are hurting. We came into the game with a good mindset but it didn't show today, we didn't offer enough. We didn't offer enough on the night to create a goal. Olympiacos have a very good home record, though, so it wasn't unexpected.

Me and the team didn't show together. We'll put it right, we're determined to put it right and we'll have opportunities to do it in the coming weeks. The players are hurting, they know how they've performed. The one good thing is that there is a second game to come. Old Trafford's seen some great nights in the past and we'll hopefully see another one. We'll do everything we possibly can to reverse the 2-0 defeat.

http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionslea...tes/index.html