SL Benfica vs Olympiakos Piraeus preview - Matic keen to avoid Greek tragedy

Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2013 by PA

Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic has stressed the importance of returning to winning ways in the Champions League when they host Olympiacos on Wednesday night.

The Portuguese club won their Group C opener against Anderlecht but lost 3-0 at Paris St Germain last time out.

Benfica are level with Olympiacos on three points but the Greeks have a superior goal difference.

With PSG current favourites to win the group, Matic is aware his team need to see off the Greek side to enhance their chances of finishing in the top two.

"We are going to give everything we can to beat Olympiacos," Matic told Benfica TV.

"This game is very important and we cannot fail.

"It's going to be a difficult match because Olympiacos are a good side, but we will be ready for them."

Jorge Jesus' men are currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Last weekend's 2-1 win at Estoril lifted Benfica to third in the table, five points shy of league leaders Porto.

Matic also believes his team-mates will have their work cut out to stop former Benfica forward Javier Saviola.

The Argentinian spent three seasons with the Aguilas before joining Spanish outfit Malaga in the summer of 2012.

"He is a great man and a fantastic player," Matic said. "We will have to keep a close eye on him.

"We are friends, but we will have to leave our friendship to one side as I plan to give my best to win on Wednesday."

Olympiacos, meanwhile, bounced back from their 4-1 home defeat to PSG with a 3-0 victory at Anderlecht two weeks ago.

The Greek giants, who are coached by Spanish tactician Michel, would like nothing more than to hold onto second spot after their double header with Benfica. The reverse fixture takes place on November 5.

"We need to get at least two more wins in order to progress to the next round," Michel told www.olympiacos.org.

"In order for that to happen, we need to work very hard and remain humble."

The Greeks travel to the Estadio da Luz in excellent form in the Super League. They followed up a 6-0 triumph over Veroia with a 4-1 win at Platanias on Saturday.

Kostas Mitroglou, who scored a hat-trick at Anderlecht, is set to partner Saviola in attack.

The visitors will, however, be without defenders Gaetan Bong and Jose Holebas as well as midfielder Pablo Machado due to injury.