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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Olympiakos 3-1 Arsenal: Gunners' Back-Up Goalkeepers Endure A Night To Forget But Hosts Miss Out On Knockout Stages

Greece - Olympiakos Piraeus went from ecstasy to utter despair after their 3-1 win over Arsenal looked to be sending them into the Champions League last 16 only for Olympique Marseille to pip the Greeks at the death.

Marseille's two late goals in a 3-2 victory at Borussia Dortmund in the other final Group F game meant Didier Deschamps' team qualified for February's first knockout round and Olympiakos had to settle for third place and the Europa League.Arsene Wenger tasted defeat in his 200th European game as Arsenal lost 3-1 to Olympiakos as goals from Rafik Djebbour, David Fuster and Francois Modesto secured all three points for the Greeks whilst Yossi Benayoun grabbed a consolation goal.A horror show from the Arsenal defence and the two replacement goalkeepers proved the difference tonight against an Olympiakos side who were driven on by their home crowd.The hosts took the lead when Djebbour was put behind the Gunners defence and knocked the ball past Lukasz Fabianski who rushed out of his net to try and stop the striker.

Fuster doubled Olympiakos’ lead in the 36th minute pouncing on a mistake by Arsenal sub keeper Vito Mannone as his volley evaded the feet of the Italian when he was well placed to catch the ball.

Benayoun got the visitors back into the game with a scorching volley after linking up well with Marouane Chamakh’s chest down to him on the edge of the 18-yard box which was the high point for a disappointing night for the Gunners.

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