Saviola the saviour as Olympiakos reach knockout stages for first time since 2010

Former Argentina international Javier Saviola scored twice and missed a penalty as Olympiakos reached the Champions League knockout stages with a 3-1 win over eight-man Anderlecht on Tuesday.

The Greek champions’ win secured them second place and a berth in the last 16 for the first time since 2010.

Their victory in a dramatic game, which featured three home penalties and three red cards for the visitors, means they edge out Benfica courtesy of a better head-to-head record after both teams finished with 10 points.

Saviola eased the nerves of the home fans when he broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute by pouncing on a loose ball in the box to fire past keeper Silvio Proto.

Saviola, 31, who ironicially played for Benfica for three seasons and helped the Lisbon club to the domestic double in 2010, made up for an earlier miss by converting David Fuster’s initial shot that was deflected into his path.

However, the Brussels outfit were back on level terms within six minutes thanks to American midfielder Sacha Kljestan.

The 28-year-old Californian finished off a counter-attack, that evolved from a botched Olympiakos corner, and tucked the ball into an empty goal after an unselfish pass from teenage midfielder Dennis Praet.