Arsenal began their home Champions League campaign with a gritty 2-0 victory over Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Viktor Gyokeres’ rasping shot smashed against the post. Gabriel Martinelli reacted quickest, pouncing to tap home the rebound for 1-0.
Arsenal dominated possession in the first half but struggled to add to their tally. David Raya stole the show, producing a stunning one-handed save to claw away Daniel Podence’s volley.
Olympiakos looked dangerous after halftime. Francisco Chiquinho forced Raya into another acrobatic stop with a curling shot. Moments later, Ayoub El Kaabi thought he had equalized, but his strike was ruled offside.
Relief finally came deep into stoppage time. Martin Ødegaard threaded a precise pass into the path of Bukayo Saka, who calmly slotted the ball through Kostas Tzolakis’ legs to make it 2-0.
Martin Ødegaard for Arsenal vs. Olympiakos Player of the Match:
◉ Most touches (86)
◉ Most final third passes (26)
◉ Most possessions won (8)
◉ Most chances created (4)
◉= Most crosses (4)
◉ Assist for Bukayo Saka. 🅰️
◉ Man Of The Match #UCL #ARSOLY
— Mogens Mortensen (@mmortensen80) October 1, 2025
Mikel Arteta could not hide his delight afterward. “Very happy, winning in the Champions League is always complicated. Keeping another clean sheet, that’s 11 in 14 games. Remarkable from the boys.”
Olympiakos coach José Luis Mendilibar, who once managed Arteta, reflected with grace. “It was nice to see my old disciple Mikel back in action tonight.”
The win pushed Arsenal to six points from two games in the league phase. They now sit fifth on the table and firmly in the chase for a top-eight finish. Olympiakos, with only one point from two matches, remain in 20th place.
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