Olympiakos delivered a fatal blow to Manchester United’s chances of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals. The Greek champions cruised to an emphatic 2-0 victory, boosting their qualification chances ahead of the second-leg match at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Dominguez diverted a shot by Maniatis with a back-heel to stun De Gea in the 38th minute, sending the home fans to frenzied celebrations. Ten minutes into the second half Costa Rica international Joel Campbell (on loan from Arsenal) piled more misery on the Red Devils with a tremendous shot outside the box.
Olympiakos didn’t sit on their lead and pushed forward, seeking a third goal. Robin van Persie had the goal at his mercy in the 80th minute, but his shot went high above the crossbar.
United lacked composure on Tuesday night and they now have a mountain to climb at Old Trafford. I cannot remember when was the last time that they overcame a two-goal deficit in the knock-out stage of Champions League. Having already crashed out of both domestic cup competitions and falling 15 points behind league leaders Chelsea, the pressure is mounting on David Moyes.
Olympiakos: Roberto, Maniatis, Holebas, Manolas, Marcano, Salino, N'Dinga, Perez (86' Valdez), Campbell (67' Fuster), Dominguez (76' Machado), Olaitan.
Manchester United: De Gea, Evra, Ferdinand, Smalling, Vidic, Carrick, Young, Cleverley (60' Kagawa), Valencia (60' Welbeck), Rooney, van Persie.
Source: DSG
