The Dutchman scored twice in the first-half and grabbed the winning goal in the tie just after the break with a free-kick as United came through 3-2 on aggregate.
Olympiacos came close to taking the lead early on, with first-leg goalscorer and Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell showing a burst of pace on the byline to cut the ball back to Hernan Perez, who hit the ball over the bar from eight yards.
United then hit the post through Wayne Rooney after the Englishman's header beat Roberto but bounced off the woodwork and was scrambled into the goalkeeper's grasp.
Delighted: Van Persie runs towards the Stretford End after putting United ahead in the tie
All yours: Van Persie and strike partner Wayne Rooney celebrate on their knees after the third goal
Treble: Van Persie completes his first ever Champions League hat-trick just after half-time with a free-kcik
Ahead: Rooney stepped over the free-kick and left it for Van Persie, who wrong-footed Roberto
Equaliser: Van Persie wheels away after levelling the score in the tie at Old Trafford
Double up: Van Persie slots home from close range to make it 2-0 to United
The old days: Old Trafford erupted as Van Persie came up with the goods just before half-time
All smiles: United players celebrate Van Persie's second goal, but there was more to come
Get on: There was little time to celebrate the first goal as United rushed back to the centre circle
Elated: David De Gea, who had just made two fantastic saves, celebrates United's second goal
There's hope yet: Van Persie puts United ahead on the night from the spot in the first-half
Beyond grasp: Goalkeeper Roberto went the right way but Van Persie's effort was too strong
Under pressure: Van Persie was attempting to get on the end of Wayne Rooney's superb pass
Penalty! And the Dutchman was hauled down by Jose Holebas, before the referee pointed to the spot
Tight: Patrice Evra attempts to bring the ball under control under pressure from Leandro Salino
Veteran: Ryan Giggs became the oldest outfield player to play in a Champions League game
Get up: Giggs (left) and Olympiakos' Hernan Perez battle for the ball
Call: United appealed for another penalty in the first-half after Valencia was brought down by Maniatis
At last: Van Persie scored his first ever hat-trick in the Champions League
Support: 'The Chosen One' banner was put up on Wednesday night despite some calls to tear it down
Tumble: Olympiakos' Greek defender Kostas Manolas goes shoulder-to-shoulder with Danny Welbeck
In the wars: Antonio Valencia, with a black eye, is challenged by Alejandro Dominguez
Biting back: Wayne Rooney and United were looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday
Nasty: Antonio Valencia United takes a knock on the eye from Joel Campbell of Olympiakos
Shiner: Man United's Antonio Valencia with swollen eye after clash with Joel Campbell
Ouch: Valencia is assessed by medical staff after the clash early on
Brave man: Valencia continued playing after the incident despite the black eye
That way! Phil Jones wrong-foots Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell, who scored in the first leg
Feisty: Jose Holebas attemps to clear the ball as Rafael comes steaming in
Tussle: United defender Phil Jones vies with Olympiakos' Brazilian defender Leandro Salino
From behind: United defender Patrice Evra competes with Hernan Perez of Olympiacos
The man who did it all: Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands again on Wednesday night
.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment