Nikopolidis on target with Olympiacos

After a great display in a 0-0 draw against Real Madrid CF, keeper Antonis Nikopolidis feels Olympiacos CFP are close to their "objective of the knockout stage".

Big performance
The Greek giants needed a big performance from their 36-year-old custodian and he did not disappoint, pulling of several fine saves to earn the fans man of the match award as the hosts' backline was tested to the limit by Bernd Schuster's attack-minded Madrid. "We feel happy to have held Madrid and claimed a draw," said the Greek international. "Everyone in the team gave their all for the cause and we played well enough to deserve something from the game."

Next match
Now third in Group C, level on points with S.S. Lazio, who they meet in Rome on Matchday 5, Olympiacos are hopeful of making it to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since 1998/99. Looking ahead to the trip to the Italian capital, Nikopolidis said: "Every game is important in this competition and we just have to be well prepared. We are very close to achieving our objective of the knockout stage and we will try our hardest to reach it."

Gritty display
The gritty performance against Madrid will certainly give them hope of an upset against Lazio, and Nikipolidis felt that but for some injuries, Olympiacos might have given Madrid even more of a game. "This was an important match for us and we have shown great determination against a great team," he said. "We had some important players missing through injury and then we were put out of our rhythm by the injuries to Raúl Bravo and Júlio César during the game."