Beşiktaş, Olympiacos draw in Europa League

Turkey's Beşiktaş secured a draw 1-1 away against Greece's Olympiacos late on March 9 in a UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first-leg matchup that provides the Black Eagles with a slight advantage before next week's second leg.

The Greek league leaders started the match at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium brightly, scoring in the 36th minute when veteran midfielder Esteban Cambiasso hit a bullet header from a well-placed cross by forward Karim Ansarifard, beating Beşiktaş' goalkeeper Fabri.       

The Turkish league leaders stepped up their game in the second half and created more chances. Their hard work was rewarded in the 53rd minute when striker Vincent Aboubakar found the net after a terrible clearance from Olympiacos goalkeeper Nicola Leali.       

Beşiktaş subsequently increased the tempo but was unable to pull ahead as the match ended all-square between the Aegean neighbors.

"We knew beforehand it would be a tough game. We were well prepared. It was important to score the away goal, but nothing is decided yet," Aboubakar, who was named man of the match, was quoted as saying by UEFA's official website.       

"We had balance in our game, we kept the lines compact and that is a ground for optimism. Our coach gave us some pointers at half-time and I believe we followed them in the second half," he added.    
 
The second leg of the tie will be played in Istanbul's Vodafone Arena on March 16.       

Elsewhere in the Europa League on March 9, FC Copenhagen beat Ajax 2-1 at home, Rostov held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in Russia, APOEL Nicosia dropped a 1-0 decision to Anderlecht in Greek Cyprus, Genk beat Gent 5-2 in an all-Belgian affair, Lyon doubled up on Roma 4-2 in France, Schalke drew Borussia...