Juventus have boosted their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stages by claiming a 3-2 win over Olympiacos.
The Italians took the lead when Andrea Pirlo curled in a free kick, but Alberto Botia equalised for the visitors with a header moments later.
Olympiacos then went in front through Delvin N'Dinga's header, but Juventus quickly hit back when Roberto turned the ball into his own net and a minute later Paul Pogba fired in the winner.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded at the Juventus Stadium.
Match Statistics:
JUVENTUS:
Shots 17
On Target 6
Possession 61%
Corners 4
Fouls 9
OLYMPIACOS:
Shots 11
On Target 5
Possession 39%
Corners 5
Fouls 19
Was the result fair?
Juventus made hard work of beating Olympiacos, but there can be no doubt they deserved to claim the three points. They controlled the game for large periods of the match and created a host of chances. Olympiacos must be given credit for fighting back after going behind and they were on the verge of an upset when they took the lead just past the hour mark. However, Massimo Allegri's side showed their class by scoring two goals within a minute and they held on to move level with their opponents in the Group A table.
Juventus's performance
At times, Juventus showed the form that has helped them to win the Serie A title for the past three seasons. They dominated from the start and put their opponents under a great deal of pressure. Pirlo's goal was the standout moment of class from the match, as his stunning free kick gave them the lead.
Rather surprisingly, it was their defensive frailties that almost cost them, as they conceded two headers from set pieces. A reason for that could be the change in formation implemented by Allegri, but with players such as Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci all playing they should have fared better.
One thing that will worry the manager is the number of chances it took for them to score from. They had 17 attempts on goal, but found the target only six times. If they want to go far in this season's tournament, then they will have to be more clinical, as better sides will severely punish them.
Olympiacos's performance
It was always going to be a tough evening for Olympiacos, but they nearly came away with the three points. They did fantastically to equalise soon after Pirlo had given Juventus the lead and from that moment they grew in confidence. They looked especially dangerous after the break and managed to take the lead when N'Dinga headed in Giannis Maniatis's cross.
However, they were not ahead for long and a slice of bad fortune led to the home side's second goal of the match, as Roberto unwittingly turned Fernando Llorente's header into his own net. Just a minute later Pogba fired home the winner and they looked a deflated team after that. Michel will be disappointed at how his side imploded so quickly, but they are still well placed to make it through from the group.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Andrea Pirlo: On his 100th appearance in the Champions League, Pirlo showed just why he is rated as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. The 35-year-old gave his side the lead with a brilliant free kick that left the keeper helpless. He also played a part in the second goal and was a calming influence in the closing stages as his team held on to claim the points.
Biggest gaffe
Alvaro Morata must take the blame for missing the best chance of the match. He was played through on goal by Carlos Tevez and put the ball wide, with just the keeper to beat. It would have put Juventus 2-1 up going into the break and may have made the closing stages far less nervous.
Referee's performance
Martin Atkinson was not forced into making any contentious calls and handed out two deserved bookings to Tevez and Botia. In stoppage time he rightly gave Juventus a penalty when Tevez was brought down by Luka Milivojevic, but Arturo Vidal was unable to capitalise and saw his spot kick turned onto the bar by Roberto.
What next?
Juventus: The Bianconeri return to league action on Sunday with a home match against Parma.
Olympiacos: Olympiacos face Panthrakikos in the Greek Super League on Sunday.
Alex Meyers
