Spanish Giants, FC Barcelona, cruised past Olympiacos by 6-1 thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford, hat-trick from Fermin Lopez, and a single goal from Lamine Yamal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Hansi Flick’s side caused havoc on their opposition as they took advantage of a remarkably harsh sending off that reduced the visiting team to 10 men.
The dominance from the Blaugrana was evident throughout the match. They could have taken the lead within five minutes, only for Rashford’s volley from 10 yards to go over the crossbar instead of heading through the top corner. However, they didn’t have to wait long, as Fermin scored just two minutes later, thanks to a beautiful assist from Lamine Yamal.
However, Fermin added a second goal before half-time, receiving a beautiful pass from Dro Fernandez, before sitting down a defender and finishing clinically.
Meanwhile, Olympiacos responded with a goal back early in the second half, as striker Ayoub El Kaabi gave the visiting team a consolidation goal. Unfortunately, the Greek side were down to 10 men some minutes later, as Santiago Hezze was shown a second yellow card for apparently fouling Marc Casado in a decision that left the visitors rightly frustrated.
Later on, Barca won a penalty after the hour, as Rashford was brought down by Tzolakis. Upon checking VAR, the replays suggested that the English forward was fouled. With Yamal rising to the occasion, he smashed in the penalty to give the Spanish Giants an added advantage.
Subsequently, Rashford scored a brace coupled with a beautiful goal from Fermin, who completed his hat-trick in a grand style. The match was an epistle of dominance from the home team. Hansi Flick’s team will take this as an advantage as they look forward to qualifying beyond the group stage.
