Atlético Madrid came within seconds of winning last season's Champions League before falling against Real Madrid thanks to a late equalizer and an extra-time onslaught. Despite the departure of several players during the summer, Diego Simeone has his team reloaded and ready to make another run at their first European Cup.
Olympiacos vs. Atlético Madrid, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Atléti’s surprise run to the Champions League final last season was the biggest story of the tournament. This time around, they won’t be sneaking up on anyone.
Denis Doyle
Must Reads
Key Player: Mario Mandžukić (Atlético Madrid)
Replacing Diego Costa was never going to be an easy task for Mandžukić. He’s a more than capable player and has performed well so far this season for Atléti, but convincing fans he can fill the shoes of their beloved Costa will take a little while. Mandžukić is an experienced player and should add some additional knowledge to the locker room for European matches. While he doesn’t really have to score goals, he needs to be a disruptive force in the attack that distracts defenders while the rest of Atléti’s talented attack picks them apart.
Key Matchup: Atléti vs. Olympiacos’ superb home form
Olympiacos are tough to play at home, having turned Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki into something of a fortress in league play last season. Atléti will face a stiff challenge and an intimidating environment, but it’s nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Diego Simeone’s team should be full of confidence after their second straight league win in the Bernabéu over the weekend. As long as they don’t start thinking they can coast past the Greeks -- which shouldn’t happen -- there’s no reason they can’t get three points, even from a tough road game.
Olympiacos injuries and suspensions
Out: Giannis Maniatis (ankle). In Doubt: Dimitris Siovas (ankle).
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Cristian Rodriguez (calf).
Simeone's only injury concern is Cristian Rodriguez, who missed their league match over the weekend after picking up a calf injury on international duty. He hasn't been a starter so far this season, though, and Atléti have plenty of depth on the right wing with Arda Turan, Raúl García and Antoine Griezmann all available.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki, Piraeus, Greece
TV: FOX Deportes (U.S.), Sky red button (U.K.), C+ Liga de Campeones/HD (Spain), Nova Sports 2 (Greece)
Online: ESPN3, FOX Soccer 2Go and FOX Sports Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
See More:
