Olympiacos vs Atletico Madrid preview - Euro debut excites Jimenez

Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez is relishing the prospect of making his Champions League debut at Olympiacos in Tuesday's Group A opener.

The Mexico international is one of the many reinforcements made by the Spanish champions this summer.

The 23-year-old, who joined Atletico from home side America, is set to play alongside Mario Mandzukic in attack against the Greek champions.

"It's a beautiful feeling to go from watching the Champions League games on TV to actually having a chance to play in the competition," Jimenez told his club's official website.

Jimenez earned his first start for Atletico in Saturday's 2-1 triumph at Real Madrid in the Primera Division.

The derby victory at the Bernabeu, courtesy of Arda Turan's winner, lifted Atleti just two points behind league leaders Barcelona after three games played.

It also allowed the Colchoneros to avenge last season's Champions League final defeat to Real.

However, Atletico coach Diego Simeone has warned his players against complacency.

"We have to forget about this win," he said. "Yes, it was an important result for the team and for our fans.

"We had never in the club's history beaten Real Madrid twice in a row in the league.

"But we cannot forget that we are starting over. We had 10 players leave this summer and we need to work hard to grow and improve."

Rivals Olympiacos made it to the last 16 last term and beat Manchester United 2-0 at home before losing 3-0 at Old Trafford.

However, coach Michel - a former Real Madrid favourite in his playing days - knows it will be difficult for his team to go as far this season, with Olympiacos also facing Italian champions Juventus and Swedish side Malmo in the pool.

"Atletico and Juve are very tough opponents," Michel told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"These two teams are the favourites to go through and do well. My hope is that my players can hand good performances in every game.

"As always, we will do our best to reach the next round."

The hosts head into the encounter unbeaten this season and on the back of Saturday's 3-0 triumph over OFI Crete.

Michel will have all of his players available for the encounter at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium.

The visitors will be without midfielder Cristian Rodriguez, who is out with a left thigh injury.