Analysis The numbers behind the result
Olympiakos dominate xG but require late Pedersen-González link
Olympiakos deserved their narrow 1-0 victory over Sparta Praha, outperforming them in expected goals (2.24 vs 0.73) and creating significantly better chances despite the slender margin. Their 60% possession translated into 23 total shots (20 inside the box) and 14 corners, as Sparta struggled to contain sustained pressure – their goalkeeper made just two saves from three shots on target, reflecting Olympiakos' poor finishing.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Marcus Pedersen assisted Armando González's winner, capping a game where Olympiakos carved out 2.24 xG from 23 attempts. Sparta Praha, limited to 0.73 xG and just one shot on target, offered little threat beyond four yellow cards as they were pinned back. The hosts' 14 corners to Sparta's three underlined their territorial dominance.
The key stat: Olympiakos generated 3.07 times Sparta's xG (2.24 vs 0.73) but required a late clinical moment to convert their supremacy.