Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Olympiacos [2-1]: Jimenez sends Wolves to first European quarter-final since 1972
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Mexican striker Raul Jimenez shoots from the penalty spot to score the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Olympiakos at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on August 6, 2020. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
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The match was won before the referee had blown his whistle. Wolves' approach to the warm-up was packed with excitement, encouragement and concentration. Olympiacos on the other hand were dawdling around and took 50 minutes to get out of first gear. 

Nuno Espirito Santo's men took this mentality into the game right from the off with their incredible high press. Their early efforts were rewarded when they were granted a penalty to give them the lead in the opening 10 minutes, Jimenez stepped up and scored his 27th goal of the season. 

It was not an easy ride for the hosts as Olympiacos dominated the second-half and made life tough for Wolves' defence.

The performance was not the prettiest but Nuno will not care one bit as Wolverhampton Wanderers  are into the quarter-final of a European competition for the first time since 1972.

Wolves will face Sevilla on Tuesday night in the quarter-final of the Europa League. 

  • Story of the game

Inside the first minute Jimenez had a wonderful opportunity with a right-footed volley but unfortunately for the striker he failed to make the connection he desired. 

Wolves kept up the pressure and were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute for their efforts. Daniel Podence hunted down a loose touch from the Red and White goalkeeper, Bobby Allain, who then shoved the former Piraeus player to the ground from behind. 

Jimenez stepped up and converted from the spot to give the hosts the lead. He keeps his record for never missing a penalty for the Wanderers. 

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The Greek side took a while to grow into the game but had an excellent chance through Kostas Tsimikas when his shot was saved brilliantly by Rui Patricio at the near post. 

Olympiacos had an equaliser on the half-hour mark ruled out after a VAR check for offside. Youssef El Arabi was offside by an elbow cut the ball square for Mohamed Camara who slotted it past Patricio. VAR intervened and Wolves took a one-goal lead into the half-time break. 

A huge penalty shout came very early on in the second-half when El Arabi went down in the box after a minimal push in the back. The Olympiacos bench was cleared but the referee waved play on and VAR agreed. 

El Arabi continued to knock on Wolves' door as he used great trickery and skill to turn quickly and get a shot away inside the six-yard-box - his effort hit the side netting. 

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Diogo Jota had a wonderful opportunity to pounce on a poor back pass but could not sort his tangled feet and Allain claimed the ball. 

Patricio made another game-saving stop in the 80th minute, this time a powerful downward header from Ahmed Hassan. 

Wolves did just enough to hold on and were excellent with their time management. 

  • What next

Wolves join Manchester United as the last two English teams in the competition. Wolves will play Sevilla on Tuesday evening and United will face FC Copenhagen on Monday.