Metalist Make History As Olympiakos Stumble

Ukranian club Metalist Kharkiv again made history in the UEFA Cup this evening, qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition with a 1-0 victory over Greek champions Olympiakos.

Following their historic qualification for the UEFA Cup group stages this season – the furthest they have ever travelled through a European competition – Myron Markevych’s side secured their passage out of the group stages with a deserved win over Ernesto Valverde’s in-form team.

It was a sobering Eastern European experience for the Greeks however, the 1-0 loss ending their four-match winning streak, during which they had conceded 15 goals and conceded only 2 across European and domestic competition.

They were unable to break down their resilient opponents, a scrappy 87th minute goal from Brazilian midfielder Edman finishing what was a tight and tactical affair, as had been predicted by Valverde before the match.

The Greeks now prepare to welcome Hertha Berlin to Piraeus in two weeks time, where a draw will be enough to secure their own passage into the last 32 of the competition.

First Half

After a relatively bright start to the match – at least, in an attacking capacity – by the visitors, they found themselves quickly under pressure defensively.

An error-strewn passage of play by the Greeks – centre-back Avraam Papadopoulos particularly guilty - meant goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis was forced into a save from Valyayev after barely ten minutes of play, before the veteran needed to make string of saves during a particularly good period of concerted attacking pressure by the hosts.

Olympiakos were contrastingly non-existent as an attacking-force on a poor pitch in Kharkiv and though they eventually settled into the game, they failed to threaten the goal of ‘keeper Goriainov, save for a 38th minute Djordjevic set-piece that was inches away from the head Dudu Cearense.

An altogether unspectacular first-half was ended on an appropriately sedate note though, with Valyayev volleying wide of Nikopolidis’ left post, the ‘keeper not visibly bothered by his effort.

Second Half

Olympiakos should have taken the lead just minutes into the second half, Diogo spurning a wonderful chance from Vasilis Torosidis right-wing cross.

It was an encouraging start to play by Ernesto Valverde’s men, forcing Metalist to sit deep and concede a free-kick in rather dangerous position just outside the penalty area on 59 minutes, Predrag Djordjevic’s resulting effort bouncing into the arms of Goriainov.

Metalist almost produced the perfect response to their opponent’s pressure moments later however, as Edmar burst down the right flank.

From the right side of the penalty area he chipped a delightful cross towards the unmarked Fomin, who from only a few yards out disappointingly headed over Antonis Nikopolidis’ crossbar.

Brazilian Jaja then forced the Euro 2004-winner into a solid save from his driven effort from outside the area and as the Ukrainians began to find a passing rhythm in midfield, their Greek opponents became fixated on shifting the ball quickly into wide areas.

The elusive Jaja suddenly seemed to be through on goal on 73 minutes but only managed to hit a weak effort straight at Nikopolidis under pressure from the desperately recovering Olympiakos defenders.

It was the hosts who were now emerging as the dominant force in the match, Myron Markevych’s men dominating possession and forcing the Greeks to camp dangerously in their own half.

The presence of former CSKA Moscow man Dudu in the centre of the park was becoming more announced however, the Brazilian slipping in Domi on the left hand side of the area with a brilliant reverse ball before the French full-back shot low and hard but straight at Goriainov.

Metalist then took a deserved and dramatic 87th minute lead through Edman, one that was deserving of their general attacking endeavour throughout the match.

The goal itself was rather scrappy in nature and perhaps reflective of an inherent persistence rather than style in the Ukrainians, Valentyn Slyusar hooking the ball over a static Olympiakos defense for his Brazilian teammate, who lashed a half-volley into the palms of Nikopolidis from close-range.

The ball agonizingly bouncing in off the post with defenders desperately trying to clear off the line, sparking wild celebrations amongst players, coaches and fans alike.

With Olympiakos pouring forward in search of an equalizer during the final moments, defender Andriy Koniushenko had a chance to seal victory on the counter-attack, only to be denied by Nikopolidis.

Metalist held on however for their second consecutive win of their UEFA Cup campaign, securing qualification from the group stages and setting up for Olympiakos a particularly tense final group match with Hertha Berlin in Piraeus.

Metalist Kharkiv 1 (87’ Edmar)
Olympiakos 0

Line-ups:

Metalist Kharkiv: Goriainov, Gancarczyk (94’ Babych), Valyayev, Edmar, Sliusar, Obradovic, Maidana, Gueye, Fomin (82’ Trisovic), Bordian, Jaja (91’ Konyushenko)

Olympiakos: Nikopolidis, Patsatzoglou, Galletti (72’ Mitroglou), Domi, Diogo, Djordjevic, Antzas, Dudu, Papadopoulos, Belluschi, Torosidis (80’ Pantos)

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com