Olympiacos secure qualification with 3-1 win over Anderlecht

Olympiacos have beaten Anderlecht 3-1 in the Champions League this evening to secure qualification to the next round of the tournament.

Olympiacos took the game to the visitors in the opening stages as Paulo Machado hit a right-footed shot from outside the box, though the keeper was equal to it as he made a save down low.

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Dennis Praet looked to respond for the away side as he was played in by Fabrice N'Sakala, but a defender got across to block the shot.

Jose Holebas wasted a good opportunity for the hosts when he blazed high and wide of the goal from a tight angle.

The home side then went ahead as Javier Saviola slotted home a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.

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However, the home side's lead did not last for long as Guillaume Gillet broke away on the counter, before feeding Sacha Kljestan who prodded home from the centre of the box.

The home side were awarded a penalty after the break, as Cheikhou Kouyate was sent off for his second yellow, but Saviola saw his spot kick saved.

The striker did not let it faze him though, as he soon found the net again to put his side 2-1 up with an adroit finish having been played in by David Fuster.

Olympiacos were awarded another penalty going into the final quarter of the match, but they missed from the spot again as Vladimir Weiss was denied the chance to cement their lead with a third goal.

However, it did not matter as the hosts were awarded a third penalty late on, allowing Alejandro Dominguez to slot home his side's third of the night and ensure progress into the knockout stages.