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Atletico Madrid logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Nov 26, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Olympiacos

4-0

Garcia (9'), Mandzukic (38', 62', 65')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Live Commentary: Atletico Madrid 4-0 Olympiacos - as it happened

Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Champions League clash between Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos.
2

Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Champions League clash between Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos.

Atletico head into the game three points ahead of Olympiacos and Juventus in Group A, and they know that a victory will be enough to earn a spot in the first knockout round.

Olympiacos secured a surprise 3-2 victory when these two sides met in Greece in September.

Please note, the game kicks off at 7.45pm.


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Good evening everyone. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for what promises to be another exciting night of Champions League football. Atletico Madrid are one win away from reaching the last 16. The Spanish champions take on Group A rivals Olympiacos at the Vicente Calderon.

Group A remains very close as we prepare for the fifth round of fixtures. Atletico start the night in top spot on nine points, with Olympiacos and Juventus trailing the Spanish champions on six points. Malmo, who meet Juventus this evening, are three points further back. A victory would be enough for Atletico, and would put them on course to win the group, which as we know, can be very important in the Champions League.

All signs point to this not being a very easy night for Atletico. In September, a thrilling match between these two sides saw Olympiacos claim what could prove to be a crucial 3-2 victory over Diego Simeone's side. When the draw was made, many expected Atletico and Juventus to cruise into the next round, but Olympiacos will still be confident of upsetting the odds.

Olympiacos can't qualify for the next round tonight, but with only Malmo left to play, the Greek side would give themselves a great chance of progressing if they can beat Atletico for the second time. Michel's side have lost both of their away games in the campaign, so it will be intriguing to see how they approach this challenge.

ATLETICO: Moya, Godin, Ansaldi, Juanfran, Gimenez, Tiago, Koke, Raul Garcia, Arda Turan, Gabi, Mandzukic

SUBS: Oblak, Gamez, Mario Suarez, Griezmann, Rodriguez, Jimenez, Cerci


Simeone makes just one change to the side which beat Malaga in La Liga on the weekend. Antoine Griezmann drops to the bench to make way for Raul Garcia, who will join Arda Turan in providing support for lone striker Mario Mandzukic. Miranda has not yet recovered from a hamstring injury he picked up on international duty, meaning Jose Gimenez keeps his place in defence.

OLYMPIACOS: Roberto, Maniatis, Botia, Elabdellaoui, Abidal, Masuaku, Milivojevic, Afellay, N'Dinga, Dominguez, Mitroglou

SUBS: Megyeri, Avlonitis, Leandro Salino, Kasami, Bouchalakis, Fuster, Diamantakos


It wouldn't be a surprise to see Olympiacos operate on the counter attack this evening, but that hasn't prevented Michel from naming a side full of attacking talent. Former Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay starts, as does Alejandro Dominguez. Kostas Mitroglou, who scored the crucial third goal in the win over Atletico in September, leads the line for the visitors.


If you're fans of Atletico or Olympiacos, and you want to keep an eye on all of the action in Group A, Alex Meyers will be providing live updates from Juventus vs. Malmo. We'll be covering every Champions League game tonight. Simply click on the fixture in the live scores box to follow the live commentary.

Michel is no stranger to the supporters inside the Vicente Calderon, but it's unlikely that he'll receive a warm welcome from the Atletico faithful. The Olympiacos head coach faced Atletico 25 times as a player for Real Madrid, winning 15 of those games. Can he upset the locals again tonight?

Despite facing a side that enjoy a great record at home, Michel indicated in his pre-match press conference that he would not be changing his side's approach for the test in the Spanish capital.

"It would be great if we could repeat our display against Atlético in Athens. We will insist on doing some of the things that got us a good result there. If you look at our games in the UEFA Champions League, our game plans are always very similar," the Olympiacos boss told reporters.


Simeone was full of praise for tonight's visitors while fulfilling his own media duties, but he is hopeful his side have learned from the mistakes they made in September's loss.

"Olympiacos are a very strong team at home and our defeat there was no surprise to me," Simeone told reporters. "Olympiacos are dangerous from set pieces and we will have to find a better way of avoiding problems. It's important to work on an opponent's strengths."



PREDICTION: Kickoff is under 20 minutes away now, so it's time to have a go at predicting what the outcome will be at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico head into the game as firm favourites, and they've performed very well in this competition since losing to Olympiacos at the start of the campaign. The Greek side will make it difficult for the hosts, but I fancy Simeone's side to win 3-1.

The statistics are not very promising if you are an Olympiacos fan. In 13 trips to Spain in UEFA competitions, Olympiacos have never managed to record a victory and have lost on 11 occasions. Can they end that torrid run tonight?

As always, Mandzukic will be key for Atletico tonight. The Croatian has been struggling with a neck injury in recent days, but Simeone revealed in his press conference that the striker was desperate to start for Atletico tonight. Olympiacos will know they have to cut off the source to him this evening.

Dominguez and Mitroglou were in fine form in their last league outing as they combined for three goals in a 5-1 triumph over Panthrakikos FC, but they have not played any domestic football since November 9 due to an attack on a referee. Michel will be hoping his side do not show any signs of rustiness.

The players are out on the pitch at the Vicente Calderon. Just the famous Champions League anthem and the handshakes standing in the way of the first whistle.

It will be Olympiacos who get the game underway.

CHANCE! Olympiacos somehow manage to avoid conceding a goal from Atletico's first attack. Turan's cross into the box causes problems for the visitors, before a goalmouth scramble prevents Mandzukic from adding the finishing touch. The Croatian watches Roberto save a weak header moments later.

Olympiacos look far from comfortable again as they eventually clear a corner. Atletico are pressing very high up the pitch, which is something we've got very used to seeing in the last couple of seasons. The hosts are on top at the moment.

Garcia and Juanfran link up again on the right after Abidal is caught out of position further up the pitch. Juanfran's delivery into the six-yard box just needs a touch, but Mandzukic is unable to get a toe on the ball.

Olympiacos finally relieve the pressure by hitting a long ball to Dominguez, who earns a yard of space inside the box. Gimenez recovers impressively to win the ball back before being fouled.

It's clear that Atletico are trying to target the weakness on the visiting team's left side. Abidal is not being given any help by his midfielders in the early stages, which is inviting pressure from Juanfran and Turan.

GOAL! ATLETICO 1-0 OLYMPIACOS (GARCIA)

Atletico lead, and you have to say it was coming. A cross into the box is intercepted by Maniatis, but Roberto, who is clearly worried about being penalised for a back pass, hits the ball straight to Juanfran. Atletico can't believe their luck as Juanfran sets up Garcia, who converts from close range. Roberto has been one of the stars of his side's campaign, but he must take the blame for that goal.

Olympiacos just haven't started this game. Atletico are winning the ball in midfield with apparent ease, and the hosts look dangerous every time they deliver a cross into the box. Juanfran is being allowed to play as a winger on the right.

Gabi's outswinging corner from the right is well directed, but Gimenez is unable to find the target with a header on the stretch. Olympiacos have to retain possession better. They're allowing the hosts to dominate at the moment.

YELLOW CARD! Elabdellaoui's clever turn takes him past Ansaldi, whose late challenge forces the referee to book the Atletico full back. He'll be under pressure for a long time now.

Atletico threaten again, and it's no surprise to see the attack start on the right wing. Gabi provides support for Turan, before delivering a cross onto the head of Koke, who watches his effort drift over the crossbar.

Manduzkic is slightly fortunate to avoid a yellow card following a late tackle on Masuaku. Olympiacos are finally starting to see a bit more of the ball, but Atletico are limiting the space on offer in midfield.

An impressive run from Elabdellaoui on the right wing earns Olympiacos their first corner. The visitors elect to take the set piece shot, before sending a cross deep into the box for Abidal, whose powerful volley sails over the crossbar.

Masuaku is struggling to keep tabs on the Atletico players, and his poor night continues when a blow to head knocks him off his feet for a few seconds. It won't be enough to need medical attention. He does require more help to keep Juanfran and Turna quiet, though.

Abidal, who is playing in the centre of defence, is being forced to drift further out to the left to help out Masuaku, but that will create space for Mandzukic in the middle. If Atletico can deliver better crosses, the Croatian will fancy his chances.

SAVE! Poor from Olympiacos as they allow Ansaldi to move forward unchallenged before firing a powerful low strike which forces Roberto into a fine save. The visitors manage to clear the danger from the corner which follows.

Atletico storm down the right once again, with Juanfran using space to send a ball to Garcia, who is unable to keep his header down at the back post. It would be a surprise if Atletico fail to increase their advantage before the break.

Masuaku gifts Atletico a free kick close to the corner flag with a push on Turan. Gabi takes the free kick short to Turan, whose dummy creates space for Tiago, but a bad bounce causes the Portuguese midfielder to miscue an effort over the crossbar.

Mitroglou and Afellay are passengers in this game. Afellay, in particular needs to do more to get involved in midfield. Atletico continue to pile on the pressure, and Garcia goes close with a volley on the stretch at the back post. Good play from Ansaldi on the left once again.

Olympiacos win the ball in midfield, and they commit men forward quickly to put pressure on the hosts. However, a poor pass from N'Dinga brings the move to an abrupt halt. Mandzukic breaks free of the Olympiacos defence at the other end, but his lack of pace allows the visitors to recover before he can unleash a shot.

GOAL! ATLETICO 2-0 OLYMPIACOS (MANDZUKIC)

Atletico look to be on the way to securing their progress in comfortable style. Ansaldi uses the room on offer to deliver a cross from the left wing, but it's another mistake which helps Atletico as Botia misses his clearance to allow Mandzukic to score from just a couple of yards out. Olympiacos have a mountain to climb.

Moya comes off his line to meet a free kick in a congested box, but Garcia beats the goalkeeper to the ball by heading over his own crossbar. Plenty of grappling going on inside the box, before N'Dinga eventually wastes a corner with a terrible delivery.

On the rare occasion when Olympaicos have sent men forward, they've been wasteful in possession. Atletico are dominating possession, with Tiago and Gabi pulling the strings from the centre of midfield. Simeone will feel that there is a lot more goals available for his side.

The marking is non-existent as Gabi picks out Turan with a clever pass. Roberto comes out quickly to confront the Turkish attacker, but it's Masuaku who makes the tackle inside the six-yard box.

Some more pushing in the box forces referee Wolfgang Stark to blow his whistle again as Atletico threaten from a corner. Garcia clashes with Milivojević, but the pair are quickly separated.

HALF TIME: ATLETICO 2-0 OLYMPIACOS

Brilliant from Atletico, poor from Olympiacos. That's been the story of the opening 45 minutes in the Spanish capital. Mistakes from Roberto and Botia allowed Garcia and Mandzukic to find the net from close range, and in truth, a 2-0 lead is nothing more than Atletico deserve. Can Olympiacos produce a response?

If Olympiacos are going to get back into the game, they must improve all over the pitch. In defence, Masuaku has had a nightmare in trying to deal with Turan and Juanfran, who has played as a second right winger for the majority of the game. Mitroglou and Afellay have barely had a kick at the other end. The visitors must reduce the gap between midfield and attack.

In tonight's other game in Group A, Malmo are currently holding Juventus following a goalless first half. That result will be very important if Olympiacos do go on to lose this match. Juventus and Olympiacos started the night on six points, while Malmo were three points further back.


SUBSTITUTIONS: It should come as little surprise to learn that Michel has made changes at the break. Pajtim Kasami is off the bench to replace Afellay, while David Fuster is also on for Maniatis. Mario Suarez is on for Atletico, too. Tiago comes off, but it is unclear whether that change is tactical or due to an injury. Atletico will get the game back underway.

Michel was clearly angered by his side's first-half display, and understandably so. Even if Olympiacos don't salvage something from this game, they have to improve. It's been a quiet start to the second half.

Ansaldi is agonisingly close to breaking free of the Olympiacos defence after exchanging passes with Koke, but Botia steps in to make a vital tackle. Atletico continue to look very busy off the ball, but Olympiacos are retaining possession much better.

UPDATE! Fernando Llorente has given Juventus a 1-0 lead over Malmo. That could be a very important goal in Group A.

Olympiacos almost fall further behind in comical fashion when Roberto's poor touch sees the ball roll towards his goal line, but he recovers quickly to avoid embarrassment.

Mandzukic is furious with Kasami after being caught while competing to win a header, but his teammates quickly arrive on the scene to calm the Croatian down. The free kick which follows is sent towards the back post, where Godin's header is not strong enough to set up an Atletico attacker.

YELLOW CARD! Brilliant from Ansaldi as he evades a couple of challenges with some clever footwork before being chopped down on the edge of the box by N'Dinga. That tackle forces the referee to get his book out once again. Can Atletico take advantage from a good position?

Koke's free kick is delivered into the perfect position, but Roberto gets a vital punch on the ball after Mandzukic had missed his header in the six-yard box.

YELLOW CARD! Wolfgang Stark has been a busy man tonight. He is forced to show another yellow card, this time to Fuster, who catches Gimenez with a high foot.

Mistakes are beginning to slip back into the game for Olympiacos, who are giving the ball away too easily once again. Atletico are in no rush to find a third goal, but they look in complete control of this match. It's been a faultless display from the hosts.

CHANCE! Juanfran comes forward with the ball before sliding an excellent through ball into the path of Mandzukic, who takes a touch before seeing his effort deflected wide by Botia. Vital challenge from the Olympiacos defender.

CHANCE! Olympiacos finally create a goalscoring opportunity. The visitors increase the tempo in the final third of the pitch to get the ball out wide to Elabdellaoui, whose cross is headed over by Mitroglou.

GOAL! ATLETICO 3-0 OLYMPIACOS (MANDZUKIC)

Game over at the Vicente Calderon. It's too easy for the hosts as Turan uses the space on offer to clip the ball onto the head of Mandzukic, who holds off Elabdellaoui to head past a helpless Roberto. Simeone is understandably delighted on the touchline.

GOAL! ATLETICO 4-0 OLYMPIACOS (MANDZUKIC)

Put the ball on his head, and he will score. Mandzukic completes his hat-trick by rising highest in the box to meet Gabi's cross with a fine header which Roberto is unable to keep out. What a night for the Croatian!

SUBSTITUTION: Mandzukic will steal the headlines, but Turan deserves a lot of praise for another fantastic display in an Atletico shirt. Simeone joins the crowd in applauding as the Turkish forward comes off to be replaced by Raul Jimenez.

SHOT! Olympiacos finally hit the target as Kasami tests Moya with a low effort which the Atletico goalkeeper does well to gather in a crowded penalty area.

SUBSTITUTION: Simeone is applauding again. Mandzukic is given a deserved rest after scoring his first hat-trick for the club. Griezmann is his replacement.

Olympiacos just do not know how to react. They've been impressive in Group A, but this has been a terrible night. Atletico are happy to drop slightly deeper, but they're not being put under any pressure.

SUBSTITUTION: Michel uses his final change to bring Andreas Bouchalakis on for the ineffective Dominguez.

CHANCE! It should be 5-0. The impressive Juanfran storms down the right before picking out Griezmann, who can only send a free header just over the crossbar. At the very least, he should have hit the target. Olympiacos had made two goal-saving blocks moments earlier.

Too easy for the hosts as Ansaldi shrugs off a challenge from Botia before hitting a powerful cross past everyone in the six-yard box. Olympiacos are fortunate to only be four goals behind at this stage.

A loose ball breaks to Milivojevic 25 yards from goal, and his wayward strike which sails wide of the target sums up the visiting side's night. Terrible effort from the midfielder.

CHANCE! Incredibly poor defending from the visitors. A free kick is taken short to Koke, whose cross looks set to be headed in by any one of six players at the back post. It's Garcia who meets the ball with his head, but his effort drifts just wide of the target.

It looks like a training session out there as Atletico continue to dictate the tempo of the match. Olympiacos manage to get a few players forward, but they waste possession once again. Michel will want the final whistle to arrive as soon as possible.

Olympiacos are given a rare chance to attack the Atletico goal when Ansaldi brings down Fuster, but Kasami's delivery drifts out of play at the back post. Before the game, Simeone spoke about the threat posed from set pieces by Olympiacos. He may change his view after the match.

YELLOW CARD! Silly from Raul Jimenez, who marks his Champions League debut by picking up a booking for having a shot after he had been caught offside.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Griezmann finds space at the back post to head a corner in from close range. Jimenez is in an offside position, but his presence wasn't putting off Roberto, who would never had kept the ball out. Atletico's supporters can't believe it, and it does seem to be an odd decision.

The misery is almost over for Olympiacos. Just two minutes of stoppage time to be played. Elsewhere in Group A, Juventus are now leading Malmo 2-0 thanks to a late strike from Carlos Tevez.

Brilliant work from Jimenez on the right wing as he chases down what appears to be a lost cause before delivering a cross which forces Elabdellaoui into a vital clearance under pressure from Griezmann.

FULL TIME: ATLETICO MADRID 4-0 OLYMPIACOS

It's all over at the Vicente Calderon. Mario Mandzukic has led Atletico to an emphatic victory with his hat-trick against a below-par Olympiacos side. Atletico have now booked their spot in the next round, but Olympiacos now slip to third in Group A.

That's all from me tonight. We hope you've enjoyed our live coverage of tonight's Champions League action. Make sure you keep an eye out for analysis, ratings and reaction from every game. Goodnight.

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Diego Simeone looks on before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between AC Milan and Club Atletico de Madrid at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 19, 2014
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