Olympiacos have narrowly defeated Juventus 1-0 at the Giorgios Karaiskakis Stadium in the third round of the Champions League group stages.
Both sides struggled to settle into the match early, but it was the home side with the sporadic bursts forward on the counter. Indeed it was a single goal from Pajtim Kasami that sealed the victory for the Greeks, despite the Bianconeri onslaught in the second half.
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Olympiacos
Roberto – 7 – Colossal
Consistently made excellent saves that kept his side in the match, was alert for the entirety of the game.
Omar Elabdellaoui – 6.5 – Good
The young-gun not only defended well but made a few runs forward on the right flank on the counter.
Alberto Botia – 6 – Strong
Had a great game as his forceful defending limited the influence of Alvaro Morata.
Eric Abidal – 6 – Solid
The French veteran was an important figure in the Greek defence and was forced to make several important passes to stop the likes of Morata from scoring.
Arthur Masuaku – 7 – Stellar
The French international advanced on every possible occasion and was made continual threatening runs via the left flank. Was a
Delvin Ndinga – 6 – Important
Made some threatening plays forward on the counter and managed to contain Asamoah.
Luka Milivojevic – 6 – Important
The Serbian International dominated the midfield in the first half and made several decisive passes that allowed his team to move forward quickly on the counter attack.
Giannis Maniatis – 6.5 – Usual
The captain was a consistent figure in his side’s victory yet was the strains of the previous few matches had taken a noticeable toll on his body, which impaired his performance.
Alejandro Dominguez – 6 – Solid
Was a dangerous presence in and around the box in the first half, however had his influence wane over the course of the game, until he was taken off.
Kostas Mitroglou – 6.5 – Average
Had a few chances in the box and his lay off was responsible for the goal yet remained quiet for the match. Was subbed off in the second half.
Pajtim Kasami – 7 – Goal
The goalscorer was dangerous in attack and managed to continually get in behind the Bianconeri defence. He had several attempts on goal and was replaced by Kostas Giannoulis with only injury time remaining.
Substitutes
Ibrahim Afellay – 5 – Same
Replaced Mitroglou in the 69th minute, made a few passes but was mostly required to track back and defend.
David Fuster – 5 – Same
Replaced Alejandro Dominguez. His first Champions League match since his injury yet played no instrumental role in the final 20 minutes.
Kostas Giannoulis – N/A
Came on for Kasami just before the start of injury time. No real influence.
Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon – 5 – Consistent
It was an average night for the Italian champion, who was kept on his toes by the opposition, especially Masuaku. Made one amazing save from a freekick in the first half.
Angelo Ogbonna – 4.5 – Errors
Played an important role in the defensive line-up yet made a few key errors and was arguable one of those at fault for the goal.
Leonardo Bonucci – 5 – Consistent
The Italian international made several decisive passes and was key in stopping the Olympiacos’ onslaught.
Giorgio Chiellini – 5 – Solid
As always, the Italian international was a consistent figure in the Old Lady’s defence, but found himself dragged out of position on too many occasions.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – 4 – Poor
Ever the selfless and tireless player, Lichtsteiner was frustrated on the left flank and hardly came forward. He received a yellow card for his foul on Masuaku.
Paul Pogba – 5.5 – Usual
The French international played his usual game and was key for the Bianconeri not only in the midfield but also when tracking back to defend. But didn’t have the support around him as he usually does.
Andrea Pirlo – 4 – Unusual
The midfield magician played an uncharacteristic match and continually surrendered possession in the centre of midfield, resulting in numerous counter attacks and the eventual goal. However his partnership with Vidal, began to slowly control the midfield. Additionally had several woeful free-kick attempts.
Arturo Vidal – 5.5 – Best
It seemed the Chilean was everywhere on the pitch and made several key passes. Was important in creating plays forward for the bianconeri.
Kwadwo Asamoah – 4 – Invisible
Had a disappointing first half and made few plays forward, as his influence was limited by Ndinga.
Carlos Tevez – 4.5 – Disappointing
The Argentinian looked frustrated for the entire match and played deep in an attempt to contribute for his side. Had one goal disallowed due to offside.
Alvaro Morata – 6 – Impressive
Did inject an extra element of pace into the bianconeri attack, however was not sufficiently fed balls into the area in the first half. Managed to get in between the Olympiakos defenders and had the most attempts on goal for the bianconeri.
Substitutes
Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Instrumental
Replaced Pirlo in the 57th minute, had immediate effect as his pin-point passes allowed his side to gain momentum going forward. The Italian was key in providing balls into the box.
Roberto Pereya – 5 – Average
Entered the match in the 77th minute for Angelo Ogbonna. No real influence in the match.
Sebastian Giovinco – N/A
Replaced Paul Pogba in the 87th minute. Had little to no time to do any real damage but did made some key passes into the area.
