Olympiakos beat English club for first time since 1972

A header after 17 minutes by Greek international Ieroklis Stoltidis was enough to give Olympiakos Piraeus a 1-0 win over Liverpool on Tuesday and three points that put them top of Group A in the Champions League.

Just one goal, however, did not do justice to a game that Olympiakos, often inspired by their ex-Brazilian international Rivaldo, dominated from start to finish.

It was an historic night for the Greek side who last beat an English club back in November 1972 when they scored a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in a UEFA Cup second round, second leg match -- although they had already lost the first leg 4-0.

This time they were in charge of proceedings almost throughout and twice hit the woodwork.

They also had at least three other clear scoring chances, including a blistering shot from Rivaldo from outside the penalty area that whipped past the post.

Liverpool, who had never previously lost to a Greek side in six previous meetings, were poor in the first half and even after bringing on Harry Kewell at halftime failed to bring a single save out of Olympiakos goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Olympiakos set the early pace when their Cypriot striker Yiannis Okkas struck the post after five minutes.

Twelve minutes later a well-flighted Rivaldo free-kick floated over the Liverpool defence and Stoltidis headed home.

By halftime, Olympiakos might have had five as Rivaldo, his Brazilian colleague Giovanni, and Pantelis Kafes all went close.

Liverpool showed more steel in the second half but it was the Greek side that again had the best chances with Stoltidis heading against the bar and substitute Georgos Georgiadis firing just wide.

The only black spot on a memorable night for the home side was the red card eight minutes from time for Anastasios Pantos, but it was a blacker night for Liverpool who failed to score away from home in Europe for the first time in 11 matches.