A quick look at some statistics from Manchester United-Olympiakos clash last night. United won 3-0 and booked a place in the last eight.
- Top performance from Robin van Persie against Olympiakos: 3 shots, 3 goals.
- Olympiakos attempted more passes than Manchester United — 485 (88 long, 272 medium and 125 short) to 464 (80 long, 261 medium and 123 short). The passing completion of both teams was equal — 67%.
- Olympiakos also made more solo runs/deliveries — 70 to 59. 50 of Olympiakos’ runs came in the attacking third as they launched wave after wave of attacks from the wings.
- The best passer for Olympiakos was Delvin N’Dinga who had a very good game in midfield. He completed 42 of his 51 passes. He also received the most passes – 42. For United, Phil Jones completed 91% of his passes – 29 out of 32 while Wayne Rooney and Rafael received the most passes – 34.
- Man United joined Bayern Munich on reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League for a record 13th time.
- Van Persie is the first Manchester United player to score a hat-trick in the knock-out phase of the CL.
- Van Persie also joined Marco van Basten, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roy Makaay as Dutch players to score a hat-trick in the CL.
- Man United have a 100% home record vs Greek opposition: W6-D-L0, goal difference 20-1. Olympiacos have lost all 12 away matches in England.
- After Barcelona (vs Milan last season), Man Utd are only the second team to lose a Champions League first leg 2-0 & progress.
- Man United’s second goal vs Olympiakos was the first pass between Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in the game.
- Last night was Ryan Giggs’ 140th appearance in the Champions League, just two short of Raul’s record.