Arsenal travelled to Olympiacos this evening knowing that they could still top Group B of this year's Champions League.
The Gunners simply had to win and hope Schalke slipped up in Montpellier to ensure a more favourable draw for the last 16 but they were downed 2-1 by the Greek leaders in Athens.
Tomas Rosicky gave the visitors a half-time lead but goals from Giannis Maniatis and Kostas Mitroglou won it for Olympiacos.
Here, Sports Mole picks the bones out of a disappointing end to the group stage for the Gunners.
Match statistics:
Olympiacos:
Shots 15
On target 10
Possession 55%
Corners 6
Fouls 15
Arsenal:
Shots 7
On target 5
Possession 45%
Corners 2
Fouls 19
Was the result fair?
Not really, no. A draw would have been a fairer result. Arsenal were far better in the opening period but sat back on their lead in the second half, inviting pressure from the hosts that eventually resulted in two goals.
Olympiacos's performance
Resurgent. The home side didn't have anything to play for as third place was the only position they could finish but they came back in the second half and had plenty of chances.
Arsenal's performance
Okay. It was a weakened XI put out by Arsene Wenger but the likes of Gervinho and Rosicky impressed in the first half. Rosicky's withdrawal at half time was a blow for the Gunners and they never found their rhythm of the opening period in the second.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Kostas Mitroglou: The Greek international was Olympiacos's top scorer in Europe going into the match but was left on the bench. He was introduced in the 71st minute and it took him just a minute or so to score a delightful curled effort to win the match.
Biggest gaffe
This award has to go to Rafik Djebbour. The Olympiacos forward was picked out in the second half at the back post and simply had to direct his diving header on target but somehow missed the goal.
Referee performance
Roberto Diaz Perez del Palomar had a solid game but was let down by his goalside assistant. Olympiacos's first goal perhaps should never have occurred as Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny didn't touch the ball on its way out. A corner was given and from that the hosts equalised.
What next?
Olympiacos: The Greek league leaders will look to continue their domestic dominance when they go to Panathinaikos on Sunday.
Arsenal: Arsenal, meanwhile, need to resurrect their stuttering Premier League season when West Brom visit the Emirates on Saturday.
Pascal Lemesre
