Olympiacos delivered a historic and heroic performance in Amsterdam, defeating Ajax 2-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase. The thrilling victory earned the Greek giants a coveted spot in the knockout playoffs, where they will face either Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen.
Gelson Martins opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a clinical finish after superb interplay with Mehdi Taremi. Ajax leveled the score in the 69th minute through Kasper Dolberg's composed penalty, but Olympiacos refused to settle, responding with determination. In the 79th minute, Santiago Hezze rose highest to head home a pinpoint corner from the left, securing the golden goal and sending the red-and-whites into ecstasy.
Under coach José Luis Mendilibar's guidance, Olympiacos fought with immense spirit throughout. They defended resiliently in the first half—surviving near misses and an offside-disallowed Ajax goal—then exploded with intensity after the break. Key defensive interventions, including a last-ditch clearance by Panagiotis Retsos off the line in the dying minutes, preserved the lead against late Ajax pressure.
Finishing 18th in the league phase standings with 11 points, Olympiacos now advances to the playoff round of Europe's premier club competition—a remarkable achievement for the Piraeus side.
Lineups
Ajax: Jaros; Soutalo, Baas, Vidal (88' Nash), Gaaei, Regeer, Klaassen (69' Bounida), Steur (69' Edvardsen), Gluud (80' Mocchio), Godts, Dolberg (80' Weghorst).
Olympiacos: Tzolakis; Ortega, Pirola (27' Biancone), Retsos, Kostinha, Hezze, Mouzakitis (72' Scipioni), Martins (88' Bruno), Taremi, Rodinei (88' Podence), El Kaabi (72' Ciquinho).
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