Olympiacos’ playoff qualification bears Taremi’s signature
Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi played a pivotal role in guiding Olympiacos to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, earning widespread media praise while emphasizing his team’s philosophy and focus on the present.
According to varzesh3, in a historic night for Greek football, Taremi once again demonstrated why he is one of Olympiacos’ key players this season. The Greek side’s 2-1 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam not only secured the win but also marked Olympiacos’ historic qualification to the Champions League playoffs under the new format — a success in which Taremi’s impact was unmistakable.
Taremi played a decisive role in this match, as he had in several other crucial group-stage games. His precise and intelligent assist in the 52nd minute set up Olympiacos’ opening goal, giving the Greek team a crucial edge in their most important match of the season. This assist was Taremi’s third direct contribution in the final three group-stage games, during which Olympiacos needed victories more than ever to reach the playoffs.
Overall, out of the 11 points Olympiacos earned in the group stage, 9 came directly from Taremi’s goals and assists, a statistic that highlights his technical value and influence. He provided the decisive assist against Kairat of Kazakhstan, scored the key second goal against Bayer Leverkusen, and against Ajax, once again contributed a critical assist, underlining his European brilliance.
After the Amsterdam match, Taremi spoke confidently about Olympiacos’ team character: “From the very beginning, I said we are a big team and we can succeed in the Champions League. The most important thing was to qualify,” he said. Thanking the fans for their support, he stressed that the victory is not the end of the journey, and the team’s focus must remain on the next match.
Speaking to MEGA TV, Taremi added, “Congratulations to our fans who were with us and supported us. Thanks to everyone, even those watching on TV. The most important thing was qualifying. From the start, I said we are a big team and we can succeed in the Champions League. Tonight, we feel good, but we have to focus on the next match against AEK Athens, which is very important.”
Regarding Olympiacos’ next opponent and whether he preferred Leverkusen or Atalanta, Taremi said, “It doesn’t matter who we face; both teams are very good. Now we celebrate, but from tomorrow our focus will be on AEK Athens.”
Taremi also highlighted the team’s consistent philosophy, “Our philosophy doesn’t change. We don’t look to the future; we focus on the present.” This statement demonstrates that despite their historic achievement, Taremi and his teammates remain grounded and competitive.
Ultimately, Olympiacos’ qualification to the Champions League playoffs bears Taremi’s signature — evident both in statistics and key moments of the games. The Iranian striker has established himself not only as one of the team’s standout figures but also as one of the most influential players in this season’s Champions League among Greek football representatives.