Legendary Qualification! Olympiacos Stuns Ajax in Amsterdam to Secure Champions League Knockout Spot
Olympiacos Ajax Champions League 2026 – Report: paron.gr
Olympiacos has written another golden chapter in its European history. With a defiant comeback at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the “L legend” defeated Ajax 2-1, securing a direct ticket to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages (playoffs). Led by the brilliance of Gelson Martins and the grit of Santiago Hezze, the Piraeus giants proved once again they belong among Europe’s elite.
Match Report: Redemption in the 79th Minute
After a tactically disciplined first half, Olympiacos struck first in the 52nd minute. Following a long ball from Retsos and a sleek combination with Taremi, Gelson Martins utilized his blistering pace to beat the keeper and silence the Amsterdam crowd.
The drama intensified in the 69th minute when a VAR review led to a penalty against young Mouzakitis for a handball. Kasper Dolberg converted from the spot to equalize for Ajax, putting the Greek side’s qualification under temporary threat.
However, Mendilibar’s men showed immense mental fortitude. In the 79th minute, Chiquinho delivered a precision corner, and Santiago Hezze rose above the defense to power home a header, sealing one of the club’s greatest-ever European away victories.
Back in the Circle of Giants
With this 1-2 triumph, Olympiacos concludes the League Phase in 18th place and now awaits the draw for the knockout round (playoffs). Potential opponents include European powerhouses like Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen. This victory reinforces the momentum built by last year’s European trophy, signaling that Olympiacos is now a permanent fixture in the top tier of world football.
