Olympiakos edged through to the next round of the UEFA Champions League after a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at NEC, with the away-goals rule settling a tie that went to the wire in the 95th minute. NEC pushed the Greek giants all the way, but ultimately Olympiakos' greater composure and quality in the final third proved the difference over the course of the two legs.

The match itself was a tale of two disciplined defensive units and two teams trading blows in the middle of the park. Olympiakos were the more composed side in possession, and Dusan Tadic was at the heart of everything they created, finishing the night with seven key passes — a figure that underlined his authority as the game's chief architect. The veteran midfielder dictated tempo, stretched NEC's backline with incisive delivery, and consistently put teammates into threatening positions throughout the ninety minutes.

NEC were not without their own quality going forward. Ayoub El Kaabi contributed four key passes and showed flashes of the creativity that has made him a dangerous presence, while the Dutch side's defensive resolve was nothing short of remarkable. Brayann Pereira was a colossus at the back, recording eleven clearances to repeatedly repel Olympiakos' forward forays. His partner Panagiotis Retsos — nominally the Olympiakos man but equally committed in his defensive duties — also produced ten clearances across the contest.

At the other end of the pitch, Olympiakos right-back Rodinei was exceptional in the defensive phase, winning eight tackles to snuff out NEC's wide threats and provide a reliable platform from which his side could build. His workrate and tenacity set the tone for an Olympiakos unit that refused to be second-best in the physical battle.

The decisive moment came deep in stoppage time, with the tie in the balance at the 95th minute. That late drama ensured nerves held across both camps, but when the final whistle blew, it was Olympiakos celebrating progression. For NEC, the exit is a bitter pill — they competed admirably and showed they belong on this stage — but Tadic and company found just enough to survive a genuine test and move forward in the Champions League.