Mouzakitis delivers late as Olympiacos grind out a crucial win against Levadiakos | OneFootball

There are nights in a title race where quality alone won’t carry a team to victory. Sometimes, it takes patience. Other times, it takes a moment of individual brilliance. In the case of Olympiacos’ 1-0 win over Levadiakos, it took both. Eighteen-year-old Christos Mouzakitis was the match-winner, his composed 85th-minute finish breaking a resolute Levadiakos defense that had frustrated the league leaders all evening. It was a performance that underscored Olympiacos’ struggles to break down deep-lying opposition, but also highlighted the quiet revolution happening under José Luis Mendilibar: a reliance on youth in pivotal moments. A test of patience and persistence from the opening whistle, it was clear how this game would play out. Olympiacos controlled possession, dictating play with their 4-2-3-1 shape, while Levadiakos, entrenched in a 5-3-2 formation, sat deep, determined to keep the spaces compact. The hosts had no intention of engaging in an open contest; their approach was simple—defend in numbers and look for opportunities in transition. The first half was a study in frustration for Olympiacos. Levadiakos’s low block was effective, cutting off passing lanes to the central forwards, while their disciplined defensive midfield trio tracked every run. The red and whites probed through crosses from Kristoffer Velde and Rodinei on the flanks, but even the clear-cut chances they had were wasted. The closest they came was two thunder bolts off the wood work from Chiquinho. Levadiakos, for their part, had moments of promise, particularly through quick transitions. The speed of Zini down the left flank forced Olympiacos’ full-backs to remain cautious, and on the rare occasions they ventured forward, the home side looked capable of exploiting the space left behind. But they lacked the final pass, their forays into the final third ultimately amounting to very little.

Olympiacos’ struggles in front of goal this season against low blocks have been well-documented. The club's efficiency in the attacking third has fluctuated, with their reliance on veteran forward Ayoub El Kaabi becoming one of the key elements of this season. But Mendilibar, pragmatic as ever, has recognized the need to refresh the squad with young, hungry talent. Enter Mouzakitis. A product of the Olympiacos academy, the 18-year-old midfielder has gradually worked his way into Mendilibar’s plans, and his introduction into the team has added a different dynamic to the attack. His passing stretched Levadiakos’ defensive line, and created gaps that had previously been non-existent. His goal was a moment of pure opportunism. With five minutes left on the clock, a quick and initial clearance fell kindly to Mouzakitis, who took one touch to steady himself before calmly slotting the ball past Kyriakidis. It was a finish beyond his years, a sign of a player who thrives under pressure.

Despite Olympiacos’ dominance in possession (64%), Levadiakos had their moments late on. The defense, marshaled by Retsos and David Carmo, held firm. Their ability to withstand the physical battle and nullify Levadiakos’ direct play was crucial in preserving the clean sheet. In the broader context of the title race, these are the games that define champions. It wasn’t a vintage Olympiacos performance, but it was a professional one. They found a way through adversity, and that, perhaps more than any emphatic display, speaks volumes about their title credentials. What’s Next? With a crucial Europa League fixture on the horizon, Mendilibar will be pleased with the resolve his side displayed. But he’ll also know that Olympiacos need to be more clinical if they are to progress in Europe. The introduction of young talent like Mouzakitis is an encouraging sign, yet the team must ensure their dominance translates into goals with greater efficiency. For Levadiakos, this was a frustrating but not discouraging result. Their defensive setup was disciplined, and against lesser opposition, it could well earn them valuable points in the battle for survival. Their ability to limit Olympiacos to just a handful of clear-cut chances is a testament to their organisation, but their lack of firepower remains a concern. As for Olympiacos, the win keeps them at the top of the table and extends their unbeaten run. More challenges will come, but if nights like these prove anything, it’s that this team—whether through experienced leaders or emerging talents—is finding different ways to win. And that, in itself, is a hallmark of champions.