Costa Rica international Joel Campbell (left) turns to celebrate after scoring in Olympiacos' 2-0 win over visiting Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on February 25, 2014. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
PIRAEUS, Greece – Costa Rica international Joel Campbell was a leading figure for Olympiacos in its 2-0 victory over visiting Manchester United on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.
The striker -- on loan from Arsenal -- completed the scoreline in the 55th minute, curling an effort beyond goalkeeper David De Gea and capping memorable evening in the Round of 16 for the Greek side.
Following the match, Campbell spoke about the significance of his goal.
“It was a very important goal for me and for the team,” said the former Saprissa player. “It was a great win. The goal was very special because my father was in the stadium and he could see the goal so it was fantastic for me and for him.”
It has proven to be a successful campaign thus far for the 21-year-old, who has appeared in 32 total matches: 24 in the Greek Super League, four in the Greek Cup and four in the UEFA Champions League. He has 10 goals in total (seven in the League, two in the Cup and one in the Champions League).
Olympiacos will carry a two-goal lead into the return leg on March 19th in Manchester. Despite that cushion, Campbell acknowledges that it won’t be easy to eliminate United.
“We have a very difficult match in Old Trafford so we have to fight if we want to pass to the next round,” concluded Campbell.
Campbell and Olympiacos will return to action at home Sunday in the Greek Super League against rival Panathinaikos.
