Patient Patsatzoglou out to derail Madrid

Defender Christos Patsatzoglou insists revenge is the last thing on Olympiacos CFP minds before the visit of Real Madrid CF.

Revenge motive
The Spanish champions were given a fright before coming from behind to beat ten-man Olympiacos 4-2 in a Matchday 3 thriller, but if memories of that bitter defeat remain fresh for the Greek title-holders, the versatile Patsatzoglou says Tuesday's game is not about settling a score. "We don't see the match as a chance to avenge our loss in Madrid," said the 28-year-old, who will likely be deployed in a five-man midfield. "We will try for the best possible result, which is obviously a victory. But a draw would still be positive."

Able deputies
Olympiacos, who lie second in Group C, three points behind Madrid and one above Werder Bremen, are missing the suspended Vassilis Torosidis and injured duo Cristián Raúl Ledesma and Paraskevas Antzas. Patsatzoglou is confident, though, that his team have players capable of challenging the nine-time European champions. "Madrid are favourites to win the group and they are a side that can cause damage in any stadium," he said. "We have absences but I believe that those who come in to replace them will do very well for us."

Dubious advantage
Olympiacos will have the advantage of having their fans behind them at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium – their previous Group C home fixture, against S.S. Lazio on Matchday 1, having been played behind closed doors as a punishment for crowd disturbances last season. According to the Greek international, the only downside to this is the pressure created by supporters' expectations. "I think this match is actually more difficult than when we played in Spain," Patsatzoglou concluded. "We need our fans behind us, but I would also ask them to be patient from the first minute to the last."