Olympiacos have added yet another remarkable feat to their storied European legacy, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Ajax at the legendary Johan Cruyff Arena. In a match defined by tactical patience and clinical execution, the Greek champions silenced one of Europe’s most iconic venues to guarantee their progression into the Champions League play-off round. This victory marks a significant milestone for the club, as they now prepare for a high-stakes two-legged tie against either Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen for a coveted spot in the round of 16.
A First-Half Test Of Resilience
The match opened with the trademark flair and high-pressing intensity associated with Ajax. Supported by a vocal home crowd, the Dutch giants dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the game throughout the first forty-five minutes. Olympiacos found themselves pinned back, forced to rely on their defensive structure and the exceptional reflexes of goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Tzolakis was called into action early and often, thwarting several long-range efforts and aerial challenges. Ajax appeared to have broken the deadlock midway through the half when Kasper Dolberg found the back of the net, but the celebrations were cut short as the linesman correctly flagged for offside. Moments later, the stadium erupted again when the referee initially awarded Ajax a penalty for a supposed handball by Giulian Biancone. However, a lengthy VAR review provided a reprieve for the visitors, as the footage showed the ball had struck the defender's shoulder, overturning the decision and keeping the score level at the break.
Clinical Finishing Changes The Momentum
Despite the pressure they endured in the opening period, Olympiacos emerged for the second half with a renewed sense of purpose. Head coach José Luis Mendilibar’s halftime adjustments shifted the focus toward rapid counter-attacks, exploiting the spaces left behind by Ajax's marauding full-backs.
The strategy bore fruit in the 52nd minute. A fluid passing sequence initiated by the experienced Mehdi Taremi carved through the Ajax midfield. Taremi’s vision allowed him to pick out an advancing teammate in the box, and Gelson Martins demonstrated superb composure to slot the ball into the far corner. The goal stunned the home supporters and completely shifted the psychological balance of the match, as the visitors gained a vital 1-0 lead against the run of play.
Ajax Fight Back From The Spot
Faced with elimination, Ajax intensified their offensive efforts, throwing caution to the wind. Their persistence eventually led to a breakthrough in the 69th minute. During a frantic scramble in the Olympiacos penalty area, the ball struck a Greek defender’s hand, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the penalty spot.
Stepping up under immense pressure, Kasper Dolberg remained calm and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to equalize. With the score at 1-1 and twenty minutes remaining, the atmosphere in Amsterdam reached a fever pitch. Ajax sensed an opportunity to complete the comeback, while Olympiacos had to decide whether to protect the draw or search for a winner.
Late Drama And Defensive Heroics
Mendilibar’s side chose to hunt for the victory. In the 79th minute, Olympiacos earned a corner kick after a deflected cross. Cicinho stepped up and delivered a tantalizing ball into the heart of the six-yard box. Amidst a sea of players, Hezze timed his jump to perfection, connecting with a powerful header that flew past the Ajax keeper to restore the visitors' lead.
The final ten minutes were a test of pure grit. Ajax launched a total assault on the Olympiacos goal, peppering the area with crosses. The defining moment of the closing stages came when a Goal-bound Ajax strike beat the keeper, only for Panos Retsos to appear seemingly out of nowhere to clear the ball off the line. It was a goal-saving intervention that personified the spirit of the Greek side.
Mendilibar’s Tactical Masterclass
As the final whistle blew, the small contingent of traveling fans celebrated a historic achievement. Under José Luis Mendilibar, Olympiacos have evolved into a mature, tactically disciplined unit capable of competing with the continent's traditional powerhouses. Their ability to weather the storm in the first half and strike with precision in the second highlights a team that is comfortable playing under extreme pressure.
By eliminating Ajax, Olympiacos have reaffirmed their status as a formidable force in European football. They now look forward to the play-offs with confidence, knowing that their blend of defensive solidity and attacking efficiency makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone. The dream of reaching the last 16 remains very much alive for the legends of Piraeus.