Olympiacos faces an early exit from the UEFA Champions League tonight (21:45 GR, NET), with only ninety minutes left for the Greek Champions to turn a 3-0 deficit against Anorthosis Famagusta into a memorable result. The Piraeus club looked helpless in the first leg; but a superior effort tonight in Greece, could see ‘O Thrylos’ wake from the nightmares from Larnaca.

Pressure lies heavily on the home side ahead of the deciding leg. Promising a better showing, Ernesto Valverde has promised his club hasn’t given up their ambitions to play an eleventh consecutive season in the Champions League. “In football you always feel under pressure to win,” said the Olympiacos manager. “It comes from within. I feel we can advance if we handle the stress. We must start the match believing we can do it and we have to channel this belief in our game.”

Media in Greece has alluded to a more aggressive formation for the Greek Champions who must beat their Cypriot opponents by at least four goals to progress to the group stage.

Antonis Nikopolidis has fully recovered from a hand injury he suffered in the first-leg loss to Anorthosis, and the former-Greece international will return to guard the Olympiacos goal. In defense, Paraskevas Antzas and Avraam Papadopoulos are expected to partner-up in the centre of defense; while Vassilis Torosidis and Leonardo, will run the right and left sides respectively.

Dudu Cearense is set for his European debut with his new club. The Brazilian is expected to play alongside Ieroklis Stoltidis in a central midfield role. Pressure has been put on Valverde to include summer acquisition Sebastian Leto in the Olympiacos starting eleven, and it appears the Spaniard will do just that. After several impressive performances in recent pre-season performances, the Argentine will face his biggest task in the red-and-white since his early-August arrival. His countryman, Luciano Galletti – a fan favourite amongst the Olympiacos faithful – will man the opposite flank.

In the need to score goals, Fernando Belluschi is expected to play an attacking role behind striker Darko Kovacevic. Both players managed to hit the score sheet in last week’s friendly against Al-Hilal, and the pair will have to repeat that feat again tonight.

It seems club captain, Predrag Djordjevic, will begin the match on the sidelines but that hasn’t stopped the Serbian from realizing the task at hand. “With the help of our fans, we can get the result that will take us into the group stage,” said Djordjevic. “We must be patient and hopefully we’ll be luckier than two weeks ago in Cyprus.”

For Anorthosis, defense will be the main focus; however, the Cypriot side has the opportunity to pre-maturely end the tie if they manage to score an away goal. Temur Kestbaia opted to rest several of his starters for the club’s Super Cup tilt with rivals APOEL. Losing the game 1-0, it is clear the club has its sights set on qualifying for the group stage for the first time in the club’s ninety-seven year history. “We may have won the first game 3-0 but we have a really tough second leg ahead,” said Ketsbaia. “Obviously our lead is healthy, but we need to work even harder if we want to get to the group stage. I want those who take the field against Olympiacos to use all their strength to achieve our ultimate dream. We’re close but the game that stands in our way is very tough.”

With Cypriot pride fuelling Anorthosis’ qualifying campaign, the return leg in Piraeus is billed as “the most important match in Cypriot football history.” On top of their comfortable lead, the visitors are joyous in the wake of reports Sávio is eligible to take part in the second leg. Making his debut in the loss to APOEL, the former Real Madrid player will make his European debut with the club. Not as fortunate is Ioannis Skopelitis; having played against Olympiacos on several occasions during his spell with Egaleo FC, the former Portsmouth midfielder is forced out of the return leg with an injury suffered a fort night ago.

The atmosphere in the stadium will be a ruckus environment, as a capacity crowd is expected to take in a match that could be Olympiacos’ last Champions League appearance of the season. Added to the fact the match has taken a patriotic twist, tonight’s encounter has transformed into a Mediterranean rivalry.

More proof of the hostility between the two clubs comes in the midst of reports claiming Olympiacos supporters delayed Anorthosis’ arrival in Greece. Olympiacos supporters followed the team’s bus, and according to witnesses “harrassed” the team bus.

More violence followed, as Olympiacos supporters reportedly attacked travelling Anorthosis fans outside the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. The severity of the incident is in question, as Anorthosis officials seem to be exaggerating the number of Olympiacos supporters on hand at the stadium — the Cypriot club is claiming there were around 1 200 OSFP supporters, while Olympiacos says only 200 were present.

Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)

Assistants: Mike Pickel (Germany), Christian Dingert (Germany)

Fourth official: Helmut Fleischer (Germany)

Responding to the criticism for the club’s 3-0 loss to Cypriot side Anorthosis last week, Olympiacos showed flare from the starting blocks. Pursuing a goal from the opening minute, a new line of attack including summer acquisition Sebastian Leto forced the opposition into the Olympiacos attacking third.

After several misleading surges, the Olympiacos final went ahead on twenty minutes. A perfect centering pass from Fernando Belluschi found the feet of Luciano Galletti, and the Argentine winger placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Just over an hour into the game and it was 2-0; this time a pass from Predrag Djordjevic found a speedy Belluschi, and the former-River Plate superstar slotted the ball into the Al-Hilal net.

The game was surely put out of reach five minutes later when Darko Kovacevic added his name to the score sheet. Belluschi played provider again, and the tall Serbian sent a powerful header past the Al-Hilal keeper.

Adding to his tally, Kovacevic struck again twenty minutes later. After wingback Leonardo weaved through the Al-Hilal defense, a cross from the Brazilian was met by Kovacevic and easily turned into the Al-Hilal goal.

Playing some part, but making little impact in his debut, was Dudu Cearanse – another of the club’s summer signings.

The win is a satisfying result for Olympiacos; especially for a club playing without several starters, and ailing from the possibility of an early Champions League exit. However, the scoring on display last night gives fans hope ahead of the return leg against Anorthosis Famagusta next week.

Olympiacos 4-0 Al Hilal
Galletti 20′, Belluschi 62′, Kovacevic 67′, 82′

Olympiacos (Ernesto Valverde): Kovac, Domi (60′ Djordjevic), Pantos, Antzas (80′ K. Papadopoulos), Bravo, Stoltidis, Dudu (67′ Mendrinos), Leto (60′ Leonardo), Galletti (76′ Oscar), Belluschi (76′ Katsikogiannis), Kovacevic (89′ Niklitsiotis)

With the Greek National Team taking part in a friendly against Slovakia tomorrow, the likes of Vassilis Torosidis, Christos Patsatzoglou, and Avraam Papadopoulos will be absent due to national team duties.

The Greek U21 team is also in action tomorrow, with the match against Albania being played after a previous cancellation — due to the Albanian Football Federation suspension by FIFA. Kostas Mitroglou, Georgios Galitsios, and Giannis Papadopoulos have been called up.

Michal Zewlakow has been called up for duty with the Polish National Team, while Mirnes Sisic has duties with the Slovenian National Team.

Goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis recently retired from the Greek National Team, but an injury he picked up against Anorthosis Famagusta will keep him out of this friendly.

With limited members in the squad, new summer signing Dudu Cearense, will make his debut with the club.

The game started like it did on many occasions last year, Luciano Galletti bursting down the flank and forcing the opposing keeper into a save. Olympiacos continued the pressure moments later, with a shot from Kostas Mitroglou forcing the keeper into a save. Moments later, Mitroglou was the center of attention once again; this time he scored, but was adjudged in an offside position. Christos Patsatzoglou was pushed away by the Santander keeper. At the other end Racing Santander displayed some attacking flare by slotting home an awkward defensive bounce past Antonis Nikopolidis; Jonathan Pereira claiming the credit. Olympiacos managed to equalize moments later thanks to a header by Avraam Papadopoulos off a set piece from captain Predrag Djordjevic. The hosts nearly took the lead through Galletti’s shot which sailed just over the bar. Taking advantage of their opponents’ misfortunes, Racing reclaimed their lead shortly before half-time. A cross from Pereira was too difficult to handle for Leonardo, and a bad touch from the Brazilian saw the ball roll into the gaping Olympiacos goal.

Out to restore some pride in the second half, a dynamic performance from Olympiacos’ attacking line gave them a flurry of chances. Led by substitute Sebastian Leto, Olympiacos looked keen on scoring and they finally did when Leto was brought down illegally in the penalty box. Galletti step and converted with ease, leveling the game at 2-2. Racing Santander reclaimed the lead once again late in the game. A shot from Polish international Ebi Smolarek made it’s way into the goal, giving the Spanish side the lead for the third time in the match. Darko Kovacevic could have leveled the game three minutes before time, but Olympiacos’ leading goalscorer for 2007/2008 wasn’t able to hit the target behind a sprawling Toño.

Olympiacos, despite the loss, gave its fans the performance they had been waiting for all summer. All is calm in Piraeus ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round tie. New signings have blossomed thus far, including Sebastian Leto who showed that he will give Djordjevic a run for his money for a starting spot. Avraam Papadopoulos’ goal was almost a déjà vu of Júlio César goals from last year.

Olympiacos will now prepare for that crucial first leg of their 3rd Qualifying Round tie with Anorthosis Famagusta. The team will travel to Cyprus to take on the Cypriot Champions, before returning to Greece for the return leg.

Olympiacos (Ernesto Valverde): Nikopolidis, Galitsios (46′ Oscar), A. Papadopoulos, Antzas (57′ Żewłakow), Leonardo (69′ Raúl Bravo), Torosidis (72′ Pantos), Patsatzoglou (69′ Mendrinos), Galletti (81′ Šišić), Predrag Djordjevic (57′ Leto), Belluschi (57′ Stoltidis), Mitroglou (57′ Kovačević).

Racing Santander (Juan Ramón López Muñiz): Toño, Oriol, Christian, Jorge López, Óscar Serrano, Pinillos, Zé António, Pereiria, Canales, Juanjo, Edu.

Pavel Kovac got the start in goal, and continued to impress. Unfortunately one goal passed the Slovakian international which foiled his clean sheet bid.

Unfortunately the game was not televised, which is a shame seeing as reports say Olympiacos’ goals were something out of this world.

Olympiacos (Ernesto Valverde): Kovac; Pantos, Galitsios, Raul Bravo, Leonardo; Katsikogiannis, G. Papadopoulos (58′ Belluschi), Mendrinos, Soiledis (65′ Niklitsiotis), Sisic; Mitroglou (82′ Matsoukas).

A cagey start from both sides saw Olympiacos emerge as the dominant side, as the Greek Champions had more of the possession and were able to control the tempo. Few chances were found in the first half, but there were enough to keep the home fans cheering. Several rushes and careless defending from Getafe allowed Olympiacos to get several cracks at goal, but they were either well wasted or blocked desperately by the Getafe back line. A late first half surge from Luciano Galletti resulted in an Olympiacos corner, and a cross from the Argentine found the head of Kovacevic who placed it past Roberto Abbondanzieri.

After capturing the lead late in the half, Olympiacos had the momentum heading into the second half. They showed their confidence in the first ten minutes after the restart, but a header from Avraam Papadopoulos and several well constructed plays were unable to get past the Getafe defense. The pattern continued throughout the remainder of the match as the second half panned out to be an experimental 45 minutes.

Olympiacos (Ernesto Valverde): Nikopolidis, Torosidis (46′ Galitsios), Zewlakow (81′ Antzas), A. Papadopoulos, Domi (68′ Raul Bravo), Stoltidis (77′ G. Papadopoulos), Patsatzoglou, Galletti (81′ Mendrinos), Djordjevic, Oscar, Kovacevic (68′ Mitroglou).

*** Olympiacos’ next friendly is set for Saturday (August 2nd), against recently relegated Greek club Atromitos FC in Peristeri. No broadcasting arrangements have been made for that game.

For all the Olympiacos friendlies, click here

There is a good chance that Olympiacos will not have such a great draw, and personally I am a bit worried. Don’t question my confidence in the team, as I have plenty; however, I am aware of the threat posed by other clubs poised to resume the competition at this stage. The draw list was released earlier today and as expected Olympiacos is listed as a seeded club. Despite being seeded, their is room for a tough draw; with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and Twente left unseeded.

In all honesty, if the club is able to stay away from the above mentioned, there is a good chance the club could progress to the group sage of the competition. Obviously the game is not played on paper, which means the only thing heading into Friday is that Olympiacos wont be playing Panathinaikos or any of the other seeded clubs.

Seeded Clubs:
Liverpool (England)
Barcelona (Spain)
Arsenal (England)
Schalke 04 (Germany)
Juventus (Italy)
Rangers (Scotland) / Kaunas (Lithuania) * Clubs level 0-0.
Marseille (France)
Steaua Bucuresti (Romania)
Panathinaikos (Greece) / Dinamo Tbilisi (Georgia) * Panathinaikos leads 3-0.
IFK Goteborg (Sweden) / Basel (Switzerland) * Clubs level 1-1.
Olympiacos (Greece)
Fenerbahce (Turkey) / MTK Hungaria (Hungary) * Fenerbahce leads 2-0.
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Anderlecht (Belgium) / BATE (Belarus) * BATE leads 2-1.
Fiorentina (Italy)
Spartak Moscow (Russia)

Unseeded Clubs:
Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova) / Sparta Prague (Czech Republic) * Sparta Prague leads 1-0.
Drogheda United (Republic of Ireland) / Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine) * Dynamo Kyive leads 2-1.
Levski Sofia (Bulgaria)
Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
Galatasaray (Turkey)
Inter Baku (Azerbaijan) / Partizan (Serbia) * Clubs level 1-1.
Vitoria Guimaraes (Portugal)
Domzale (Slovenia) / Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) * Dinamo leads 3-0.
Beitar Jerusalem (Israel) / Wisla Krakow (Poland) * Beitar Jerusalem leads 2-1.
Standard Liege (Belgium)
Twente (Netherlands)
Tampere United (Finland) / Artmedia Petrzalka (Slovakia) * Artmedia leads 3-1.
Aalborg BK (Denmark) / Modrica (Bosnia Herzegovina) * Aalborg Bk leads 5-0.
Brann (Norway) / Ventspils (Latvia) * Brann leads 1-0
Anorthosis Famagusta (Cyprus) / Rapid Wien (Austria) * Anorthosis Famagusta leads 3-0.

*** Clubs that are still locked in a 2nd Qualifying Round tie are ranked based upon the higher coefficient of the two. The team progressing will be determined by Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

Diogo has attracted interest by Arsenal and an unnamed Italian club. Arsenal reportedly had an offer of €9 million rejected in June, but the highest bid is said to be from the unknown Italian club. A statement by Portuguesa in June gave insight to the transfer rumors. “Up to now the biggest offer has come from Italy, which was €12 million, but we will start to think about selling him at €15million.” It is also reported that Portuguese club SL Benfica were interested in Diogo. The 21 year-old is a coveted Brazilian prospect and is expected to be a big star in the future; with 18 goals in the domestic season last year, he is on the right track. It is unclear if Portuguesa will sell Diogo, as interviews with club officials indicate that the club is keen on keeping the youngster under contract until the end of the Brazilian season. This could be an after thought when you consider that the club is apparently in financial trouble and could sell if the offer to high to resist.

The striker himself has commented on his dream to play in Europe: “I’m going through a great moment with Portuguesa, but I have a dream of playing in Europe and if it happens now then I’m ready for it.”

Olympiacos are desperate to add another striker capable of scoring bundles of goals to the roster, and fast. Last year saw Darko Kovacevic lead the team in scoring with 17 tallies in the league alone. Despite the incredible display by Kovacevic last term, it is not expected for him to repeat that great a feat this year — especially with the departure of Lomana Lua Lua. The urge to sign a striker is under more urgency as the deadline for UEFA Champions League submission is only days away. Olympiacos are set to begin their European campaign in the 3rd Qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

A much tougher Eredivisie side featured in the next game, as Olympiacos took on Steven McClaren’s FC Twente. Olympiacos was not as fortunate this time around; one goal in each half by the hosts sealed Olympiacos’ fate.

Olympiacos returns to Greece for their final stop in their preseason training. The next friendly match is set for a July 31st encounter with Spanish side Getafe CF. The remainder of Olympiacos’ friendly schedule see the Greek Champions come across Greek 2nd Division side Atromitos, as well as Spanish side Racing Santander. It was also confirmed that Olympiacos will play Saudi Arabian Champions al Hilal at the Georgios Karaiskakis.

The away shirt sees a return to a black coloured kit for the first time since the 2004/2005 season. The supposed curse of the black kit is apparently avoided for this term as it might be worn on plenty of occassions throughout the season. The third shirt is a return to the red shirt that was highly recommended by the fans last season. Sadly it was limited to a few outtings, but it was worn during the Olympiacos – Real Madrid match at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Some of the features that are included in this year’s kits are:
1. An EXTRA-LARGE Vodafone logo: I don’t know if the club is trying to appeal to its myopic fans, but the Vodafone logo is massive. Since the beginning of the sponsorship deal with Vodafone, it seems that the size of the sponsor logo is increasing steadily. Verdict: It sure is BIG, but not a BIG issue.

2. A stylish collar: Something new for an Olympiacos jersey, and it seems to nestle in quite nicely. It is hard to tell if the collar is firm like a polo shirt, or flimsy like the design used by ‘Adidas’ kits worn by several MLS clubs. Verdict: I don’t mind collars, as long they look professional and not some flimsy blazer type. It looks good, end of story.

3. Large club crest: Wow I think this is the best feature of the new kits. I love the large crest (I guess it doesn’t look that big compared to the Vodafone logo, but it’s definitely bigger than previous years). Verdict: The only thing I would change is the positioning of the crest, by bringing it down so it is not nearing the shoulder.

4. Colours: Unlike the addition of a gold kit in previous years, the kits have respectable colours. I understand the idea of the club being ‘golden’ with all the success, but the gold kits were just pointless and never used. Gold was ok two years ago, with the nice watermark ‘efivos’ in the bottom corner. Red is back, and it better stay for future years. I think it’s really flashy, looks great. Black is a great shirt, looks pretty formal. Plenty of conspiracy around the black kit, and the apparent ‘curse’; but I am glad to see it back in the fold, and replacing the white kit which was just too plain for my liking. Verdict: The colours chosen are great and not some random colour that has no connection to the club colours or crest — aka Chelsea lime strip.

5. Watermark/Colour tone change: This is something we saw in Greece’s EURO 2008 kits, which created a design that resembled the Greek flag. The Olympiacos kits don’t use it to that extent, but there is a center stripe or panel that varies in colour tone — this can be examined by studying the center of the red kit, not so much with the black one. Verdict: I don’t really see the point, but whatever you can barely see it.

Overall Verdict: I am quite impressed with the new kits and especially the colours; they sure look more attractive than the suggested new kit by the prototypes circling forums ahead of the launch. I like the colours, and the design with the incorporated collar. The only changes I would make are: decrease the size of the Vodafone logo and label; shift the club crest to make a little more centered and not bordering the shoulder line; center the Puma logo on the front of the shirt and incorporate a front of the shirt number in the current location of the Puma logo.

The away and third kits have truly impressed the Olympiacos faithful, with limited debate over the collar and size of the Vodafone logo. The home kit is set to unveil in about twelve hours or so, and it is expected to be a similar design but an inclusion of the traditional red and white stripes. Hopefully the kit will look as good, if not better, than the kits we have seen ahead of the launch.