UEFA Champions League: 4 memorable hat-tricks in the Round of 16 over the years

#2 Robin van Persie vs Olympiacos (2013/14)

United rode on van Persie's hat-trick to scrape past Olympiacos in 2013/14

Already out of contention on the domestic front by the time the Round of 16 resumed, Manchester United were in for further misery when they were beaten fair and square by Greek side Olympiacos in the first leg. A 0-2 deficit was what the English champs carried on their shoulders for the return fixture, and an embarrassing early exit was on their minds.

Fortunately, star striker Robin van Persie's form came back at the right moment and he helped his team cross the line with a wonderful hat-trick, a testament of his world-class quality. The defence was resolute too and United progressed 3-2 on aggregate.

In the quarters they lost out 2-4 on aggregate to defending champions Bayern Munich. The comeback victory against Olympiacos was the only highlight in a trophyless 2013/14 campaign.