Bruno Onyemaechi made his UEFA Champions League debut on a difficult night for Olympiacos, as the Greek side suffered a 6–1 loss to Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Onyemaechi entered the game in the 53rd minute with the scoreline at 2–1.
However, Barcelona went on to score four more goals after his introduction, sealing a comprehensive win.
Fermin Lopez netted a hat-trick, Marcus Rashford added a brace, and Lamine Yamal converted from the penalty spot.
The Nigerian showed glimpses of his work ethic, reaching a top speed of 29.7 kilometers per hour and covering a total distance of 4.8 kilometers.
Defensively, he contributed five clearances and two interceptions, and was beaten only once in individual duels.
Lamine Yamal is challenged by Bruno Onyemaechi. (Photo| Getty Images)
Offensively, his impact was limited, managing just two passes into the final third and no successful crosses.
After the match, Olympiacos head coach José Luis Mendilibar expressed frustration with the officiating.
He was particularly critical of the second yellow card shown to one of his players and the penalty awarded to Barcelona.
“I don’t understand the second yellow card. You have to do much more to be sent off for that,” Mendilibar said.
“And the penalty that led to their third goal was very questionable. When you play in this stadium, it feels like you get nothing. In our case, things were taken away from us.”
Mendilibar Slams dodgy Officiating further
The Olympiacos coach questioned the alleged foul Konstantinos Tzolakis foul on Rashford.
“At first, I thought it was a penalty,” he admitted. “But when I saw the replay, the goalkeeper had clearly pulled his arms back and didn’t make contact.
“If anything, the contact came from the attacker. VAR didn’t intervene, and with ten men and a 3–1 scoreline, the game was out of reach.”
Also read: Bruno Onyemaechi Makes Second League Appearance in Olympiacos Win
Olympiacos will now shift their focus to domestic action as they prepare for a crucial league clash against AEK Athens.
Onyemaechi, who has featured in the last two matches, will be hoping to earn a place in the starting lineup for the derby.
