Preview: Olympiacos v Atlético
Monday, September 15, 2014
Article summary
Diego Simeone warned that "this will probably be the most difficult game in the group" for his much-changed Club Atlético de Madrid side as they visit Olympiacos FC.
Article top media content
Article body
• Olympiacos coach Míchel thinks Atlético could reach the final again
• Both teams are unbeaten this term, with Atlético downing Real Madrid CF on Saturday
• Diego Simeone will serve a touchline ban in Piraeus
• The Atlético boss reckons this could be his side's toughest Group A fixture
• Simeone says that while Atlético's personnel has changed, their philosophy has not
Possible lineups
Olympiacos: Roberto; Elabdellaoui, Botía, Abidal, Masuaku; N'Dinga, Milivojević, Kasami, Domínguez; Afellay, Mitroglou.
• Doubtful: Giannis Maniatis (ankle), Dimitris Siovas (ankle)
Atlético: Moyà; Juanfran, Godín, Miranda, Siqueira; Gabi, Mario Suárez, Koke; Raúl García, Griezmann, Mandžukić.
Míchel, Olympiacos coach
All the games for us at this stage are difficult. Atlético's result at the weekend against Real Madrid shows just what we are up against. I expected that result. Simeone knows his side well – he's created a real team and he's the real boss of that team; their results speak for themselves. Their present momentum may even lead them to the final again.
Last season we were preparing for another star-studded side [Paris Saint-Germain], as we are now. In that game we lost, but we showed how good we actually are. You have to play to your maximum in this competition – and even better – or you can pay a heavy price.
We are fully prepared. We have the experience and we will fight for the result. Atlético are the same powerful side they have been. They've changed players but they remain the same powerful side. They have teamwork so changes to individual players won't alter much for them. Each team has its style and we will show ours – I believe we will do well.
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
I always look at the reality of the situation. We are building this team. Some players have gone, others have arrived. We are trying to get them in tune with the team philosophy, which will not change. The side will be built around our core philosophy.
We have had a short time to prepare after the match against Real at the weekend. This will probably be the most difficult game in the group. Olympiacos have a very strong home record and passionate fans. We had a great season last year but that's in the past. We are starting from scratch. We are building the team day by day.
I've played against Míchel as a player and coach. Míchel had a great run with Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League. He's succeeded in giving Olympiacos a distinct style and character. He has put his stamp on the team.
Weekend results
Olympiacos 3-0 OFI Crete FC (Adeleye og 3, Durmaz 44, Domínguez 54)
Real Madrid CF 1-2 Atlético (Ronaldo 26pen; Tiago 10, Arda Turan 76)
Form guide (all competitions)
Olympiacos: WDW
Atlético: WWDWD
Match facts
• Atlético were unbeaten in all six of their UEFA Champions League away games last season, but what is their record in Greece like? Find out in our extensive match background.