Nantes absolutely had to win in Greece to continue the adventure in the Europa League, while hoping to do a better result than Qarabag, who received Freiburg at the same time. It’s done, the Canaries finish second in group G and will play the play-offs for the final phase of the Europa League (C3) next February against a club eliminated from the Champions League.
Faced with a weak Olympiakos, already eliminated and which fielded a largely reworked team, the Nantes players entered the game well but Guessand’s goal in the 2nd minute, heading a deflection at the far post from a corner, was refused for off-side.
A wake-up call in the second half
Then dominated in the first half, long messy and technically imprecise, the Canaries were able to count on a very good Lafont, author of several decisive saves in front of El Arabi and Bowler.
The entry of Ludovic Blas at half-time changed the face of the game, allowing Nantes to play higher and finally be dangerous.
It was on one of his crosses that Mohamed opened the scoring with a header from six meters in the 79th minute. Then the French attacking midfielder took it upon himself to beat Tzolakis with a subtle lob in the 90th, after a combination between Sissoko and Mohamed, ensuring victory for Nantes.
Direction the 16th finals
Remaining on the lawn at the final whistle, the Canaries were able to exult with their supporters when they learned of the draw between Qarabag and Fribourg.
Antoine Kombouaré’s players will know their opponent in this sort of “16th final” of the Europa League during the draw which will be made on Monday in Nyon (Switzerland).
Clubs as prestigious as Barcelona, Juventus or Ajax Amsterdam are among the eight teams transferred to C3 at the end of the group stage of the Champions League.