For more than a decade, Olympiacos have been Arsenal’s bogey team in Europe, consistently leaving the Emirates Stadium with victories that stung the Gunners’ pride and unsettled their Champions League campaigns. But on a cool autumn night in North London, Mikel Arteta’s men finally put an end to that hoodoo, securing their first home win against the Greek giants since 2012.
The victory came in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. With the game seemingly destined to end in frustration, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka struck in stoppage time to seal a 2–0 win, sending the Emirates into raptures. It was not just a triumph over a difficult opponent; it was a symbolic exorcism of a ghost that had haunted Arsenal for 13 long years.
Late Show Seals the Points
Arsenal dominated much of the contest but struggled to convert their superiority into goals. Olympiacos, true to their reputation as stubborn travellers, defended deep and compactly, looking to frustrate their hosts and pounce on the counterattack.
For long spells, it seemed as though history would repeat itself. Memories of those painful nights in 2012, 2015, and 2019—when Olympiacos stunned Arsenal at the Emirates—hung heavy in the air. Chances came and went, with Martin Ødegaard rattling the crossbar in the first half and Kai Havertz forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
As the clock ticked into added time, groans began to rumble around the stadium. Yet this Arsenal side, revitalised under Arteta, has developed a habit of finding answers when they are most needed.
In the 92nd minute, Martinelli finally broke the deadlock. A slick passing move through midfield saw Declan Rice thread the ball into the Brazilian’s path. Martinelli took one touch to steady himself before rifling a shot across Tzolakis and into the far corner. The Emirates erupted, relief washing over every supporter in red and white.
Just moments later, the victory was assured. Bukayo Saka, the heartbeat of this Arsenal team, found himself in space on the right flank. Cutting inside with his trademark move, the England international unleashed a curling effort that nestled inside the far post. The celebrations that followed were as much about catharsis as they were about joy: Arsenal had finally beaten Olympiacos at home.
A Historic Run in Europe
Beyond the emotional significance, the win also highlighted the formidability of Arsenal’s current European campaign. Arteta’s men have now won six consecutive group or league phase games in the Champions League, their longest streak since a run between December 2004 and November 2005.
Back then, Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles-era” squad were at their peak, boasting the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pirès. That Arsenal side eventually reached the 2006 Champions League final. Arteta’s team, while not yet proven on such a stage, is beginning to evoke similar feelings of resilience and momentum.
“We knew the history,” Arteta said after the match. “Olympiacos have hurt this club before. But these players showed incredible character. Even when it looked like the goal wasn’t coming, they never stopped believing. This is the mentality we need in Europe.”
Saka and Martinelli Step Up Again
The identity of the goalscorers was no coincidence. Martinelli and Saka represent the youthful core around which Arteta has built his project. Both players have developed into consistent match-winners, capable of breaking down even the most stubborn defences.
For Martinelli, the goal marked a return to form after a spell interrupted by minor injuries earlier in the season. His energy, directness, and clinical finish reminded Arsenal fans why he is so highly rated.
Saka, meanwhile, continues to add new layers to his game. Already Arsenal’s most creative outlet, he is increasingly becoming their go-to source of goals in crucial moments. His strike against Olympiacos was his 10th goal contribution in his last 12 Champions League appearances, underlining his rapid rise as one of Europe’s elite wingers.
Olympiacos Fall Short Despite Brave Effort
For Olympiacos, the result was a bitter pill to swallow. The Greek champions had executed their game plan almost perfectly, frustrating Arsenal for 90 minutes and threatening occasionally on the counter. Striker Ayoub El Kaabi forced David Raya into a smart save, while midfield enforcer Mady Camara worked tirelessly to break up Arsenal’s rhythm.
Yet, as so often happens against top opposition, concentration wavered in the dying minutes. Manager José Luis Mendilibar admitted afterwards that his team “lost a bit of focus” at the worst possible time. Still, Olympiacos remain in contention to progress, with crucial fixtures ahead against their other group rivals.
The Bigger Picture
For Arsenal, the significance of this win cannot be overstated. It is not just about points on the board—it is about belief, about proving that old scars no longer define them. With six straight victories in the group phase, Arteta’s men have sent a message to Europe: they are not just participants in the Champions League; they are genuine contenders.
Supporters inside the Emirates left the stadium buzzing with optimism. The ghosts of past defeats to Olympiacos had finally been laid to rest. Instead of despair, there was celebration. Instead of doubt, there was conviction.
As one fan was overheard saying on the way out: “This feels different. This Arsenal is built for the big stage.”
With players like Saka, Martinelli, and Rice leading the charge, and Arteta orchestrating from the sidelines, the Gunners may just be embarking on their most promising European journey in two decades.
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