Iranian forward Karim Ansarifard has not seen a whole lot of action since signing with Olympiacos of the Greek Super League but two goals on the road against Turkish side Osmanlispor in a Europa League second leg match definitely helped his cause in earning more playing time in upcoming matches. Ansarifard scored two minutes into the second half to give Olympiacos a 1-0 lead and he added his second goal in the 86th minute to give the Greek side a 3-0 win on aggregate and a spot in the round of sixteen.
In France, AZ Alkmaar of Eredivisie were beaten for the second week in a row at the hands of French club Lyon. AZ Alkmaar were demolished 7-1 and eliminated after being beaten 11-2 on aggregate. Iranian winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh started and was subbed out after seventy-one minutes.
In the Czech Republic, Russian club Rostov were held to a 1-1 draw against Sparta Praha but there was hardly any drama as Rostov moved onto the the next round by eliminating Sparta Praha 5-1 on aggregate. Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun did not start but was brought on in the 46th minute.
The draw for Europa League round of sixteen will take place on 24 February.