Olympiacos through to the “32 “ of Europa league due to a late penalty

Youssef El-Arabi scored a dramatic late penalty to give Olympiacos a 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade that secured third place in UEFA Champions League Group B and a spot in phase of “32” in the UEFA Europa League.

Olympiacos's Daniel Podence (L) in action during the Champions League Group B soccer match between Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade. Source: AAP Image/EPA/PANAGIOTIS MOSCHANDREOU

The spot-kick was emphatically converted three minutes from full-time by the Morocco forward after Brazilian defender Jander handled a cross inside the penalty area.

Red Star, who just needed to avoid defeat to finish third, had been awarded a penalty of their own in the first half but Portuguese forward Tomane blasted it against the crossbar.

The result ensured Olympiacos finished on four points - a point ahead of bottom side Red Star.