Olympiacos have all to play for in Group B
Despite having just one point after four UEFA Champions League games, Olympiacos have all to play for in their final two fixtures. AGONAsport’s Sarantos Kaperonis looks at the scenarios in Group B.
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Olympiacos tasted a third consecutive defeat in UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday night after falling 2-0 to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. It was going to take something special from the Erythrolefki to came away with anything in Munich and a loss on matchday four was always on the cards after the group stage draw took place in late August.
Despite some convincing displays in their opening group stage matches - notably at home to Tottenham and Bayern Munich - Olympiacos have just one point after four matches and sit bottom of Group B. Bayern Munich have already qualified for the knockout stages with a perfect 12 points while Tottenham sit well ahead of the pack in second place with seven points after defeating Red Star emphatically over their two fixtures (5-0 in London, 0-4 in Belgrade). Red Star are in third place and at the moment, hold the ticket to the UEFA Europa League.
As it stands now, Bayern Munich are well on their way to claiming first place in the group. Tottenham are in a commanding position to finish second while Red Star Belgrade and Olympiacos will fight for third place in the group.
Group B Standings
Bayern Munich 12 pts (15:4)
Tottenham 7 pts (13:9)
Red Star 3 pts (3:13)
Olympiacos 1 pt (5:10)
Matchday 5 Fixtures: Tottenham-Olympiacos; Red Star-Bayern Munich
Matchday 6 Fixtures: Olympiacos-Red Star; Bayern Munich-Tottenham
Although Olympiacos have just one point after four matches, the Erythrolefki control their own fate for a third place finish. The Piraeus giants, though, also have mathematical chances of claiming second place and a win in London against Tottenham, will put Olympiacos in a great position ahead of of their home fixture against Red Star on matchday six.
AGONAsport takes a closer look at the scenarios that will see Olympiacos finish second, third, or fourth place in Group B of the UEFA Champions League.
Second Place - The optimistic scenario
Olympiacos can only hope for a second place finish with a win away to Tottenham, a win at home to Red Star, and Tottenham’s loss away to Bayern Munich on matchday six. This scenario sees both Olympiacos and Tottenham finish tied on seven points and Olympiacos move on to the knockout stages thanks to a better head-to-head record (first tie-breaker) against Tottenham (a win and a draw).
Third Place - The realistic Scenario
Multiple scenarios see Olympiacos claim third place in Group B. Keep in mind, since this is a UEFA Competition, head-to-head results, then head-to-head goal differential, then head-to-head away goals count first in tie-breakers (in that order), and then overall goal differential.
Simple win against Red Star on matchday six: If Olympiacos and Red Star record the same result on matchday 5 (both lose, both draw, or both win), OR if Red Star lose against Bayern Munich and Olympiacos draw against Tottenham, OR if Olympiacos win against Tottenham and Red Star draw against Bayern, then Olympiacos will need just a win against Red Star to claim third place.
Win by 2 goals or more against Red Star on matchday six: If Olympiacos lose against Tottenham and Red Star draw Bayern Munich, then Olympiacos will need to defeat Red Star on matchday six by two or more goals (see tiebreaker criteria above).
Draw against Red Star on matchday six: A draw will do against Red Star on matchday six only if Olympiacos defeat Tottenham and Red Star lose to Bayern Munich.
Fourth Place - The worst case scenario
Hopes end on matchday five: If Red Star defeat Bayern Munich and Olympiacos draw or lose to Tottenham, then Olympiacos will have no hopes of third place on matchday six.
In any other case, based on the matchday five results, Olympaicos will need a win or a draw on the final matchday to claim third place. Any other result, will result in a fourth place finish and mark an end to Olympiacos’ European campaign.
