Greek clubs completed a week with three games in Europe and no goals scored, as after AEK’s 3-0 loss to Ajax for the Champions League on Wednesday, PAOK went down 1-0 at home to Chelsea and Olympiakos shared a goalless draw with visiting Real Betis for the Europa League.
Chelsea was a difficult opponent for PAOK, playing the long game, with the Chelsea players often breaking free inside or just outside the box. Willian managed to score, after just six minutes, while the team created several more chances to add to its lead, without success. One goal sufficed for the Blues, as PAOK could have easily conceded three or four goals on the night, not being up to par, except for one or two instances.
Olympiakos earned Greece’s first group stage point this season with its 0-0 result against Spain’s Betis at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
The team from Seville was more dangerous and may feel hard done by the draw in Piraeus, but this certainly is a result that gives Betis an improved chance to reach the next round.
The Reds had heir moments, but as they were left with 10 men due to the second bookable offense of Costas Tsimikas with 17 minutes left on the clock, they will not be too disappointed with the result.