UEFA Cup begins to thaw as Olympiacos aims to heat up Piraeus

By: Peter Katsiris | February 18th, 2009

The wait is finally over. The UEFA Cup finally returns to action on Wednesday, and Olympiacos fans are anticipating another climactic encounter as Saint-Etienne pays a visit to Piraeus. Strolling to what is now an inevitable twelfth title in thirteen years; hardly any obstacles have attempted to derail Olympiacos in the Greek Super League. Saint-Etienne will be looking to change the plot for the Piraeus giants, as Alain Perrin’s men aim to end Olympiacos’ stunning home streak.

While both sides have never met each other ahead of Wednesday’s kickoff, there is much at stake for both clubs. Two rather astonishing records give insight to the soul of both sides, but predicting which one will come to an end is a tall order for even the most intuitive football pundit.

Welcome to Karaiskaki
It may be a four-star stadium on UEFA’s radar, but the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium is not a welcoming venue for many of its visitors. Domestically, no bad has been able to penetrate the Olympiacos’ home-field supremacy as the ‘Erythrolefki’ have strung together twelve consecutive home wins in the Super League, and sixteen consecutive home wins in all competitions.

A slim victory over northern neighbours Aris FC ended with Olympiacos oozing to a fourteen point lead at the Greek summit. On the downside, Sebastian Leto was forced to limp off the pitch Saturday night thanks to a muscle strain.

While one part of the three-man tango will be absent, manager Ernesto Valverde still has an deep core of South American treasures up for selection. Redefining the term MVP this season, Luciano Galletti has become the decisive factor in Olympiacos’ success thus far. Joining the likes of compatriot Fernando Belluschi, and Brazilian striker Diogo, the trio have formed a lethal bond at home against domestic and continental challengers.

With Diogo already accounting for five goals this UEFA Cup season, the former Portuguesa man is tipped for much more as the final edition of the UEFA Cup as we know it reaches the knockout stages.

The Piraeus giants won’t strictly rely on firepower in their bid to overcome Saint-Etienne, as an anchored approach by the defensive maestro Dudu allows the hosts the ability to play free flowing football. The former CSKA Moscow man was not hesitant to state defense was the key as he spoke to the media before the game. He and partner Christos Patsatzoglou allows ‘O Thrylos’ to have a mobile core in the center of the pitch. With a quick transition capable from the pair, the visitors will have to be wary of Olympiacos’ counterattacks.

Upset in the cards?
It’s a typical result to a typical comparison. It’s nearly impossible to find a club with a near identical domestic track record that rivals Olympiacos’ domestic dynasty. Nonetheless, Saint-Etienne will likely put their relegation woes aside once Karaiskaki erupts during kickoff.

‘Les Verts’ have struggled in Ligue 1; slumping all the way down to the relegation zone of France’s top flight. Once a domestic dark horse, the French side is now facing dark times, but a European spark could light the way.

A slim loss to capital club Paris St. Germain on the weekend pushed Saint-Etienne to the Ligue 1 basement, and now the minnows face a strenuous up-hill battle to avoid the drop-zone.

A bit of a domestic drought hasn’t affected the rain of wins on the European stage. While Olympiacos finished third in their group, behind Metalist Kharkhiv and Galatasaray, Saint-Etienne zoomed to capturing first place in their section ahead of Spanish giants Valencia.

Slaying some of Europe’s top clubs in order to reach the round of thirty-two, loyal followers are hoping the streak will continue in Piraeus. With their opponents in a bit of a domestic vacation it seems nearly impossible to think Saint-Etienne is capable of defeating the Super League’s title holders.

The betting sheets might rule out the French club, but that won’t stop manager Alain Perrin from pulling a few tricks ahead of the match. Expected to stave off relegation while at the reins of the club, Perrin has rejuvenated striker Araujo Ilan. The Brazilian striker struggled at the commencement of the current season, but has since recaptured his form to remain a regular in the starting line-up.

Likely to be paired with French forward Bafetimbi Gomis, the duo could pose a problem for Paraskevas Antzas and company.

With Perrin aware his side cannot assume comfort in the cathedral of Greek football known as Karaiskaki, a familiar face for Greek fans will assume plenty of responsibility. Not part of the Greek National Team, and seemingly under the radar when Greeks Abroad are concerned, defender Efstathios Tavlaridis will he hoping his return to the line-up, and Greece, will be a triumphant reunion.