Atletico de Madrid vs Olympiakos Piraeus preview - Godin: Olympiacos is must-win game

Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2014 by PA

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid seek to secure qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with a home victory over Olympiacos on Wednesday.

The Spanish outfit goes into the encounter at the Vicente Calderon leading Group A, three points clear of nearest rivals Olympiacos, coached by former Real Madrid player Michel.

Atletico will look to avenge their 3-2 away defeat to Olympiacos in matchday one.

"This is a crucial game," Atletico defender Diego Godin told www.clubatleticodemadrid.com. "In order to qualify and finish top of our group, which is what we want, we must win on Wednesday.

"We know that we are playing against a team that beat us in Greece."

Since that opening loss, last season's runners-up reacted and won their next three group games, scoring eight times while not conceding a single goal in the process.

Simeone's men head into the encounter having bounced back from their 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad with Saturday's 3-1 triumph over Malaga.

"We are where we want to be," Godin said. "We are in the Champions League qualifying positions in the domestic league and we are in good shape. But we know we face a stern test on Wednesday.

"Olympiacos haven't played a game in 17 days and that means they are well rested ahead of our meeting."

Jose Gimenez is expected to replace Joao Miranda in Atletico's defence, with the Brazilian sidelined with a thigh injury, while Croatia international Mario Mandzukic is set to recover from a back injury sustained at the weekend to lead Atletico's attack.

Olympiacos, who lie second in the pool, level on six points with Juventus, have never come out triumphant in Spain and take on an Atletico side that has won 19 of their last 21 home matches in European competition.

Atletico's last defeat dates back to February 2013 when they fell to FC Rubin Kazan and Michel is aware his side will have to step up their game if they are to surprise Atletico again this season.

"Atletico will make you suffer," Michel told marca.com. "We beat them in Greece because we played a great game and made the most of our chances.

"But we have struggled away from home and the club has never won in Spain in 13 attempts. We will nevertheless try and do our best."

Olympiacos, who are second in the Greek Super League, have lost their last four games away from home in all competitions, including a 2-0 defeat at Malmo and a 3-2 reverse in Turin against Juventus.