Olympiacos advanced in the UEFA Europa Conference League following a crucial victory over Ferencváros in the Round of 32 second leg. With an aggregate score of 0-2, the Greek outfit secured their berth in the Round of 16 courtesy of Ayoub El Kaabi's penalty kick goal in the 45th minute.
The encounter was characterized by intensity and determination from both sides, with Ferencváros striving to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg. However, Olympiacos' dominant performance thwarted any attempts at a comeback by the Hungarian side.
Despite enjoying much of the possession, Olympiacos failed to convert their scoring opportunities. Amassing a total of 19 shots, with 5 finding the target, José Luis Mendilibar's team showcased their offensive prowess, but squandered several clear-cut chances to extend their lead.
A standout figure in the match was Santiago Hezze, who excelled in midfield and made a significant contribution to Olympiacos' control of proceedings. His adept ball distribution and commanding presence on the field were instrumental in the Greek team's success.
New on the job, Mendilibar finds Europa Conference League success
For Mendilibar, guiding Olympiacos to the Round of 16 represents a notable achievement, particularly considering he has only overseen the team in three matches since assuming the reins. The Spanish tactician has already made a positive impact on the squad, propelling them to further success in European competition.
Looking forward, Olympiacos is preparing to take on Asteras in the Greek Super League on Feb. 25. Buoyed by this significant victory, the team will be eager to maintain their positive momentum and continue their quest for success both domestically and on the European stage.
In their quest for European glory, Olympiacos has demonstrated resilience and determination, attributes that have defined their journey in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
With Mendilibar at the helm, the team has shown promising signs of improvement, both defensively and offensively.
As they prepare to face Asteras in the upcoming league fixture, Olympiacos will undoubtedly draw strength from their recent triumph and remain focused on achieving further success in their pursuit of silverware.