Olympiacos end West Ham’s Europe unbeaten run

• Olympiacos hosted West Ham United in a UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday night
• West Ham had gone 17 matches in Europe unbeaten stretching to last season’s conference league
• They were however handed their first loss in c18 European matches

West Ham United’s previously unbeaten run in European football met its end in Athens as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Olympiacos, marking their first loss in UEFA competitions in 18 matches. In a Europa League Group A clash in the Greek capital, David Moyes, the mastermind behind their Europa Conference League triumph last season, implemented seven changes to his squad. However, this tactical maneuver backfired, resulting in a disheartening conclusion despite a valiant late effort from Lucas Paqueta.

The backdrop for this clash was charged with tension, with Olympiacos issuing warnings to their supporters against disruptive behavior following a recent incident involving a visiting player. Eager to prevent any potential clashes, approximately 1,600 West Ham fans were escorted to the stadium under tight security.

The fervent atmosphere inside the stadium was palpable, as demonstrated by the intimidating banner reading “tonight you dine in hell” unfurled by the local ‘ultras’ to welcome the visitors onto the field. Moyes, undoubtedly disheartened by his team’s lackluster first-half performance, watched as Fortounis effortlessly evaded several West Ham defenders before scoring a remarkable goal from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Alphonse Areola flat-footed.

READ: West Ham bags first European title since 1965

Olympiacos defender Rodinei (left) celebrates after scoring the second against West Ham United in a UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday, October 26 2023. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

The first half concluded on a dismal note for West Ham, as Angelo Ogbonna inadvertently directed a cross from Olympiacos’ Rodinei into his own net, compounding the team’s troubles. The haunting memory of Moyes’ prior defeat at the same stadium during his tenure at Manchester United must have resurfaced as the Italian veteran faced another setback in Athens.

Despite a more spirited second-half showing from West Ham, their attempts to level the score were in vain. An impressive volley from Paqueta in the dying moments of the game offered a glimmer of hope, but the Hammers ultimately fell short of securing a crucial victory that would have solidified their progression into the knockout stages.

As a result of this defeat, West Ham now find themselves in a precarious position, tied with Freiburg at the top of the group, while Olympiacos trails closely behind by two points. Moyes and his team are left with an arduous task ahead, requiring a determined effort to reclaim their footing and advance in the competition.