Analysis The numbers behind the result
Stalemate defined by shot inefficiency, defensive organisation
The 0-0 draw fairly reflected a contest where neither side consistently translated possession into high-quality chances. Olympiakos' marginal 53% territorial dominance yielded just 5 shots on target from 12 attempts (42% accuracy), underperforming their expected output given 7 efforts came from outside the box. NEC Nijmegen were slightly more selective, with 7 of their 13 shots originating inside the box, but their lower pass accuracy (73% vs Olympiakos' 67%) stifled sustained pressure.
Defensive discipline proved decisive - both goalkeepers made multiple saves (Olympiakos' Balša Popović with 4, NEC's Gonzalo Crettaz with 5), while combined blocked shots (6) and offside traps (NEC caught Olympiakos offside 6 times) limited clear-cut opportunities. The 46th-minute introduction of J. Roca for Olympiakos briefly increased their attacking tempo, evidenced by 4 corners to NEC's 2, but neither side managed a shot on target after the 74th minute substitutions disrupted any momentum.
The telling stat: just 9 combined shots on target from 25 total attempts (36% accuracy) highlights why both defences emerged with credit.