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NEC Nijmegen has progressed to the playoff round of the Champions League after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Olympiacos. - Follow Football-Oranje on X After a 0-0 draw in Greece, NEC were well placed and they went close early on through Tjarron Chery, who hit the crossbar. However, before the break, NEC were dealt two blows with Sami Ouaissa and Phillipe Sandler forced off with injuries. Olympiacos also went close through Gelson Martins. Early in the second half, Olympiacos took the lead as Ayoub El Kaabi was left completely unmarked to slot in from close range. NEC rallied and after going close twice, Dusan Tadic set up Bryan Linssen to slide in a deserved equaliser. Olympiacos were then reduced to ten men with Kostas Fortounis sent off for a rash challenge. The hosts dominated the final minutes and it seemed they had won it in the 94th minute when Kaj Sierhuis scored. However, the offside flag denied NEC. Five minutes into extra-time, NEC won it with Emre Mor getting the ball to his feet in the box and he finished well. Olympiacos never threatened an equaliser and NEC progresses to the playoffs. NEC are now just one tie away from reaching the Champions League proper. Standing in NEC’s way is Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.