Fermin Lopez – Foto: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
Barcelona thrashed Olympiacos 6-1 on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, in the third round of the 2025/26 Champions League. Fermín López, with a hat-trick, and Marcus Rashford, with two goals, led the Catalan victory. Lamine Yamal also scored, while El Kaabi netted the only Greek goal. The result improves Barcelona’s standing in the table, while Olympiacos remains in the elimination zone.
The match started with Barcelona applying pressure. Fermín López opened the scoring at the 6th minute of the first half, capitalizing on a rebound after Yamal’s play. At the 38th minute, the midfielder extended the lead with a precise dribble over the Greek defense.
- Young stars shine: Fermín, Yamal, and Pedri commanded the Catalan attack.
- Absences: Barcelona played without Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Lewandowski, but felt no lack.
- Ejection: Hezze from Olympiacos received a red card at the 10th minute of the second half.
In the second half, Barcelona accelerated. Yamal scored at the 21st minute, followed by two goals from Rashford and one more from Fermín, sealing the hat-trick.
Starboy ⭐ pic.twitter.com/8DB2qKeLOj
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 21, 2025
Young talents in the spotlight
Barcelona showcased strength with its young players. Fermín López, 22 years old, was the standout, scoring three times and leading the team. Lamine Yamal, 18 years old, also excelled with a goal and assists.
Hansi Flick’s team knew how to exploit spaces. Even with absences, the offensive intensity was maintained throughout the 90 minutes.
Catalan pressure in attack
The second half was a massacre. At the 21st minute, Yamal displaced goalkeeper Tzolakis with a precise shot. Rashford extended at the 28th and 33rd minutes, taking advantage of passes from Balde and Pedri. Fermín closed his performance with a powerful shot at the 30th minute.
Olympiacos tried to react with El Kaabi, who scored from a penalty at the 7th minute. The Greek team, however, could not resist after Hezze’s ejection. Substitutions, like Taremi and Yaremchuk, did not change the scenario.
Barcelona’s possession reached 68%, with 18 shots against 5 from Olympiacos.
Olympiacos in trouble
Olympiacos is in a delicate moment in the competition. With just one point in three games, the Greek team occupies the 29th position. The 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the previous round already indicated difficulties.
The team felt the absence of Rodinei, former Flamengo player, due to injury. The Greek defense suffered with the speed of the Catalan attack, especially on the flanks.
Strategic substitutions
Hansi Flick made tactical changes in the second half. Frenkie de Jong entered at the 12th minute, reinforcing the midfield. Ronald Araujo and Gerard Martín also joined, maintaining defensive solidity.
Olympiacos’ substitutions, such as Mouzakitis and Onyemaechi, had no effect. The Greek team lost rhythm after the red card.
Barcelona in the fight for leadership
With the victory, Barcelona adds six points and rises to the direct qualification zone. The Catalan team, coming from a loss to PSG, regains confidence. The next challenge will be to maintain the pace against stronger opponents.
Olympiacos, on the other hand, needs urgent results. The distance to the playoff zone is five positions, and the team faces pressure to avoid early elimination.
Refereeing and controversial plays
The match had tense moments. An El Kaabi goal was disallowed after VAR review, which pointed to a handball by Pedri. The penalty converted by the Greek striker was the only moment of relief for Olympiacos.
The referee was also criticized for not awarding a possible penalty in favor of Rashford in the second half. Despite that, Barcelona dominated without relying on referee decisions.
