Olympiacos hosted Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League tie, the round of 16.
Odegaard got the first real chance for Arsenal when a ball from the side found him in the box and he steered his shot wide and off the post in the 2nd minute. In the 6th minute as well, Arsenal's header in the box got saved by the goalkeeper as he pushed it against the crossbar. A huge sign of relief there for Olympiacos as Arsenal showed their intent to bombard them with a series of attacks.
David Luiz had a freekick easily saved by the goalkeeper in the 17th minute when he went straight down the middle, same as Aubameyang in the 22nd minute. Olympia is has a chance of their own when an Arsenal mistake led to Bruma having a shot at goal but he went for power rather than placement and the goalkeeper saved it.
In the 34th minute, Odegaard produced the moment of magic when his stunning strike found the back of the net right outside the box. The goalkeeper couldn't keep it out. What a strike it was. David Luiz almost cost his team a goal in the 40th minute when his attempted clearance was blocked but Olympiacos fired wide shockingly right from the side of the box.
The first half ended and it was only Martin Odegaard's goal that separated the two sides. The second half started and Ceballos lost the ball while his goalkeeper was off his line in the 58th minute. El Arabi wasted no time as he directed the ball goalward into the empty net to level the matters, 1-1. He was the one who won the tie for them last season right at the end of the match at the Emirates Stadium.
Olympiacos had the chance to go ahead in the 64th minute and shocking, that chance was missed right in the box. It went shockingly wide with the goalkeeper well beaten.
Gabriel came to the rescue in the 79th minute with a brilliant Willian ball in. He rose highest to connect with the ball and steer it to the top right-hand corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no choice at all. What a goal and Arsenal led 2-1. It was a smart one from Arsenal who took the corner kick quickly. Elneny compounded Olympiacos' woes after coming on when he unleashed a long-range strike in the 85th minute, that went into the back of the net after striking the upright on its way in to make it 3-1. Olympiacos has a mountain to climb when they visit for the second leg. Arsenal got 3 away goals and that must account for something.
The game ended 3-1 and Arsenal would be pleased with their result before the second leg. Arsenal's league form hasn't been encouraging but this win would surely serve as a confidence booster for them and hopefully, it kickstarts a rise for the up the league table.
Thank you for your time.
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