Van Persie hat-trick saves tie for United in memorable night at Old Trafford
David Moyes' men advance 3-2 on aggregate against Olympiakos
A sensational Robin van Persie hat-trick saw Manchester United beat Olympiakos 3-0 to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals
Under-pressure United manager David Moyes saw his side produce a much-improved performance from Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, and Van Persie made the difference as the ailing Premier League champions overcame a 2-0 first-leg deficit to go through.
In the night’s other Champions League last 16 ties, there was less drama. Last season’s beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund lost 2-1 at home to Zenit St Petersburg but progressed 5-4 on aggregate.
I think this club is capable of it. If we play to our capabilities, which we have not done too often, then I think we will be a match for any team.
United had only previously come back from a first-leg defeat to win a Champions League tie once before, against Roma in the 2007 quarter-finals, and the listless nature of their recent displays would have done little to inspire confidence among the home fans at Old Trafford.
However, a Wayne Rooney header that came back off the post set the tone before the three-time European champions were awarded a penalty midway through the first half when Jose Holebas barged into the back of Van Persie.
The Dutchman confidently beat Roberto from the spot, and the Spanish goalkeeper then did well to save from a Patrice Evra header.
Olympiakos, who retained the Greek title at the weekend, remained a threat and United goalkeeper David de Gea made a brilliant double save to deny David Fuster and Chori Dominguez as half-time approached.
