Giroud's treble fires Arsenal into CL knockout stages

Olivier Giroud produced a scintillating performance by netting a hat-trick as Arsenal overcame Olympiakos 3-0 to progress through to the Champions League knockout stages.

The Frenchman put Arsene Wenger's side ahead in the 29th minute before doubling the lead four minutes into the second half.

Giroud completed his hat-trick when he dispatched a clinical penalty to ensure that Arsenal reach the last 16 of the competition for the 16th year in a row, Sport24 reported.

Arsenal won the do-or-die encounter and finished as runners-up in Group F behind Bayern Munich.