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UEFA Champions League Preview: Zenit v Borussia Dortmund
23 February 2014
Borussia Dortmund's bid to improve on last season's runners-up finish in the UEFA Champions League resumes at Zenit on Tuesday.
Jurgen Klopp's men progressed past Shakhtar Donetsk, Malaga and Real Madrid in the knockout stages to reach the 2012-13 final, before ultimately coming unstuck against fellow Bundesliga side Bayern Munich, losing 2-1 at Wembley as a result of Arjen Robben's 89th-minute winner.
Dortmund topped Group F this term, albeit only narrowly after Arsenal and Napoli also finished on 12 points.
While the Italian side were eliminated from the Champions League, Zenit made it through to the last 16 with half as many points, having finished second in a group dominated by La Liga high-fliers Atletico Madrid.
Zenit's only win in Group G came against Porto, but that sole triumph combined with three draws proved enough to seal a place in the knockout rounds for the second time.
Dortmund, by contrast, had to win four matches to guarantee their progression – with a 2-1 victory at Marseille in matchday six ultimately proving crucial.
After enduring a shaky spell prior to the Bundesliga winter break, Dortmund looked set to return to Champions League action in fine form.
However, the club were sensationally denied a fourth straight league win on Saturday as relegation-threatened Hamburg recorded a shock 3-0 triumph.
Klopp's side are now 20 points behind leaders Bayern following the champions' 4-0 win at Hannover on Sunday, and a point adrift of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
Zenit, meanwhile, have not played a competitive match since their final Champions League group game on December 11 due to Russia's winter break and do not return to domestic action until March 9.
Luciano Spalletti's team sit top of the Russian Premier League thanks to a superior head-to-head record against Lokomotiv Moscow, who also have 40 points, but have been inconsistent in recent friendlies.
CSKA Moscow, Trans and Metalurh Donetsk all suffered defeats to Zenit, but the Russians were beaten by Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalist Kharkiv.
Spalletti will have a full squad to choose from barring any late fitness problems, meaning Salomon Rondon – a January signing from Rubin Kazan – could make his Champions League debut.
Marco Reus returned from injury against Hamburg and will be available once again, but Mats Hummels (ankle) is a doubt and Ilkay Gundogan (compression of the spine), Sven Bender (pubic bone inflammation), Neven Subotic (knee) and Jakub Blaszczykowski (knee) are definitely out.
Olympiakos - Manchester United Preview: Moyes' men lock horns with in-form Greeks
The struggling Red Devils were boosted by a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend but are going up against a side unbeaten in the Super League for a year
Manchester United travel to Olympiakos in good spirits for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday.
It was always going to be a tough season for the three-times champions of Europe, with David Moyes facing the unenviable task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm.
United's Premier League form may be inconsistent, but Moyes' men have looked convincing in the Champions League, topping Group A, remaining unbeaten and conceding just three goals in six games.
Last Friday's news that striker Wayne Rooney had signed a new deal until 2019 was well received by the club's supporters and the England striker scored 24 hours later in a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace.
Just as encouraging for Moyes is the return of Robin van Persie after a campaign that has been blighted by injury. The Dutchman has still managed to score 14 goals in all competitions this term, with four coming in his last five league games.
Moyes will check on the fitness of Phil Jones, Rafael da Silva and Jonny Evans, who all missed Saturday's win at Selhurst Park, while Danny Welbeck's knee injury looks set to keep him sidelined.
January signing Juan Mata is ineligible, having played for Chelsea earlier in the competition. In more positive news, Darren Fletcher has been added to United's Champions League squad.
United face an Olympiakos side that are coasting the Super League in Greece. Michel's men are unbeaten in the league since February last year and have this season amassed an astonishing goal difference of plus 69, conceding just nine goals.
Olympiakos made it to the last 16 in dramatic circumstances, finishing second in Group C behind Paris Saint-Germain to progress at the expense of Benfica thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
Michel's team could not be going into Tuesday's first leg in better form after demolishing OFI Crete 4-0 at the weekend, a game that included a hat-trick for Serbian striker Marko Scepovic. Like Mata, though, he is ineligible.
But the victory came at a price. Scepovic got his chance because of a thigh injury to forward Javier Saviola, who will now miss the match with United.
January additions Hernan Perez and Ivan Marcano are both available for Tuesday's clash, though, while Nelson Valdez also joined last month, but an ankle injury means he is a doubt.
The omens are not good for the Greek side. In four Champions League meetings with Manchester United, Olympiakos have been defeated four times, scoring just twice.
Champions League: David Moyes admits Man Utd will miss Juan Mata but is still confident
Last Updated: 23/02/14 2:34pm
Juan Mata: Not eligible to play for Manchester United in the Champions League
David Moyes has admitted it is frustrating that he will be without Juan Mata in the UEFA Champions League but he still believes Manchester United can challenge for European glory.
Mata is cup-tied for the Champions League after signing from Chelsea in January, but Moyes has defended the decision to bring in the Spaniard when they did for a club-record fee.
He accepts that not many major signings are made in the winter, but insists it was too good an opportunity to miss.
"We wanted to get Mata when we could and that was the January transfer window," said the United boss.
"Yes, it's a frustration we can't use him in the Champions League and that's why you hear people saying January isn't a great time to buy.
"Most of the clubs are trying to buy players who aren't Champions League cup-tied.
"But the better ones tend to be - like Juan. We are trying to buy that type of talent, so as I say, we wanted to get him early when we could."
United are struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League by virtue of finishing in the top four of the Premier League, but Moyes believes they could still get there by winning this season's competition.
The Red Devils safely negotiated their group before Christmas and have been drawn to face Olympiakos in the last 16, with the first leg taking place in Greece on Tuesday.
Moyes said: "We performed well in the group games, when we finished top. That was the first aim.
"And in any cup competition you have a chance - the best team doesn't always get to the final. Look at the FA Cup Final last season, when Wigan beat Manchester City.
"We now have to try to beat Olympiakos over two legs and that will be no mean feat, because they are undoubtedly the best team in Greece and a lot of their players will be going to the World Cup as part of the Greek squad.
"Everyone in this competition wants to win it and we will try to do that.
"Teams don't want to play Manchester United, because they know what this club stands for.
"And the only thing domestically that I am concentrating on is trying to finish fourth and getting that Champions League spot."
Olympiakos seek to end losing habit against United
Olympiakos Piraeus may never have a better chance to overcome their Manchester United hoodoo than in Tuesday's first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
Reuters 24 February 2014
Yet a rejuvenated United served the runaway Greek league leaders a warning of improving form in their 2-0 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Greek champions, who have reached this stage of the competition for the first time in four years, will have to make a piece of history if they are to overcome United after losing their four previous meetings.
There is scope for optimism, for Michel's team are in imperious form, unbeaten in 26 league matches and holders of a 20-point lead at the top of the Super League.
Olympiakos head into the match on the back of a 4-0 win over OFI Crete on Saturday in which recent Serbian signing Marko Scepovic scored the first hat-trick of his career.
"I would like to see the same concentration, passion and appetite from my players against United as they showed in the game against OFI," Michel said after the club's 24th victory in 26 league matches.
"We face each match with the same seriousness and we believe we can get a great performance and result on Tuesday," the 50-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain striker said.
"We have turned a page and our minds are fully focused on the Champions League match with United, I can see the appetite in the eyes and on the faces of my players; they are so eager for it," he commented on his Facebook account on Sunday.
Michel will, however, be without one of his senior players after former Argentina striker Javier Saviola picked up a leg injury and was ruled out.
Saviola's absence means 21-year-old Nigerian striker Michael Olaitan, who has scored eight times in 15 appearances this season, is likely to start up front with Argentine attacking midfielder Alejandro Dominguez playing just behind.
United travel to Greece with the Champions League their only chance of winning a trophy this season, although that chance is a long shot at best.
On the plus side, Wayne Rooney pledged his long term future to United last week before scoring a superb goal in Saturday's victory.
Also, manager David Moyes was able to include Marouane Fellaini in the starting lineup against Palace after his long injury absence.
Champions League - Problems for Zenit, pies for Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund fans will be offered tea and pies at Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday but there will be no such generosity on the pitch with the Russians intent on reaching their first Champions League quarter-final.
Reuters 24 February 2014
Zenit would appear to be rank outsiders against last season's runners-up after scraping through the group stage with a measly six points, the lowest-ever total with which a team has reached the round of 16.
They mustered only one win in six group games and finished their campaign by losing 4-1 at Austria Vienna.
They will also be rusty after a two-month winter break and will have to close part of the Petrovsky stadium as a punishment for racist behaviour by their fans in the Austria Vienna match.
Even in an unusually mild Russian winter, it all adds up to a pretty grim outlook, yet Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti is anything but discouraged, claiming that the group stage results did not reflect their performances.
"The team live for this competition and their careers are driven by it," the Italian, whose team will be playing their first competitive match since early December, told UEFA.com.
"We have played in the Champions League for many years now, and we've fought well this season. We have many important qualities which means we can play at this level," he added.
"We drew the home match against Porto when we should have won, and it was the same against Austria Vienna, where we played with 10 men for more than an hour.
"We deserved to collect more points, but overall we can be happy with our performance."
HEAVY DEFEAT
Dortmund amassed 12 points in a much tougher group, featuring Napoli, Arsenal and Olympique Marseille although their domestic form has been inconsistent.
After winning the Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 and finishing second last season, they have had some ups and downs this season and are currently third.
On Saturday, they suffered their heaviest away defeat for four seasons when they went down 3-0 at Hamburg SV but coach Juergen Klopp was confident they would rally.
"We have often shown the right reaction in the Champions League in the past after losing league games," he said.
"It's a completely different competition," added midfielder Nuri Sahin. "We will be well prepared in St Petersburg and we want to get a good result to bring back to Dortmund."
Zenit have been ordered to close the four sections of the Petrovsky stadium used by their ultras and organise extra security measures following the incidents in Vienna, where their fans displayed racist banners and let off fireworks.
The club's general manager Maxim Mitrofanov said that season ticket holders for the ultras sections would not be allowed in other parts of the stadium, even if they bought tickets.
He also warned of delays entering the ground as club employees checked that none of the banned fans was trying to get in.
"We understand that it's hard to be outside at the stadium for a long time," he told Zenit's website (http://www.en.fc-zenit.ru)
"Petrovsky does not have the most comfortable infrastructure, unfortunately, especially in winter time. So we're going to give Borussia fans hot tea, and treat them to pirozhki (Russian pies).
"We'll show them true Russian hospitality, to soften the influence of any cold weather on the match atmosphere."
Champions League - 'Stupid' rule cost Arsenal, not referee, says Platini
UEFA president Michel Platini has repeated his call for the "triple punishment" of red card, penalty and suspension to be dropped following two controversial dismissals in the Champions League this week.
Reuters – Sat, Feb 22, 2014 15:57 GMT
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is shown a red card after fouling Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben (AFP)
The triple punishment follows when the referee dismisses a player for an offence in the penalty area which he judges has denied an attacker an obvious goalscoring chance.
On Tuesday Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis was sent off for lunging in on his Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi of Barcelona and on Wednesday Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was dismissed for clattering into Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben.
Both City and Arsenal, reduced to 10 men for sizeable periods of their games were both beaten 2-0 at home by their opponents, making their progress in the competition unlikely.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli had "killed the game" by sending off Szczesny.
"For 15 years we have been trying to change this rule. All the technical committees of UEFA and FIFA are against this but when it has gone to the International Board it doesn't change," Platini told a news conference on Saturday before the draw for the qualifying rounds of Euro 2016.
"Arsene Wenger said the referee killed the game but the referee had no choice - he has to respect this stupid rule."
UEFA's executive committee has proposed the issue is included on the agenda at next week's meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game's ultimate law-making body.
"I am against it, and I want it to be changed," Platini said.
He has previously outlined other possible sanctions and he would also prefer the referee to have more discretion and that the award of a penalty does not automatically mean he has to issue a red card.
"I would change the system of cautions," he said in December.
"I would do it like in rugby, where the perpetrator would be punished by being off the pitch for 10 or 15 minutes of the game.
"That means the team they are facing would benefit in the same match.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter will chair next week's IFAB meeting in Switzerland and he has a different view from Platini, maintaining the sanction is a fit and proper punishment.
The IFAB, comprising four voting members from FIFA and four from the British associations, needs a 75 per cent majority for a law to be changed.
However, UEFA is pressing ahead with its plans to try to have the law amended.
"The Executive Committee has asked IFAB to address the issue and clarify the situation at their next meeting so that there are no more red cards for fouls committed inside the box," general secretary Gianni Infantino said.
"We need to resolve the issue of the 'triple punishment' once and for all. Everyone is talking about it and feels it is an injustice."
Champions League - Older players have key roles - Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes it is imperative his side have an experienced core as they journey to Istanbul for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
PA Sport 24 February 2014
Jose Mourinho's men face a difficult trip to Istanbul
The last-16 first-leg tie features numerous subplots: Didier Drogba playing against the side for whom he scored the European Cup-winning penalty in 2012; Mourinho versus Roberto Mancini, who he succeeded as Inter Milan boss before the Italian took charge at Manchester City; and Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder playing against his former boss Mourinho.
The contest takes place in the cauldron of the Turk Telekom Arena, where Mourinho's Real Madrid lost their quarter-final second leg last term, advancing as a result of a handsome win at home in the first leg.
Mourinho will appreciate the experience of captain John Terry - the scorer of the winner in Saturday's 1-0 defeat of Everton on his return from a three-game absence - Frank Lampard and Petr Cech in such a hostile environment.
Some of his squad are yet to taste knockout competition in the European Cup, as Chelsea were eliminated at the group stage last term before responding to win the Europa League.
"That's exactly why they belong to this project," Mourinho said.
"You could say this project is a project for the future. We only want to do this project with young players that have a 10-years future.
"No. We decided clearly from the beginning that the best way to develop the other guys is to have a nucleus of players like they are.
"They are important in the evolution of the team too.
"These older players in Chelsea they have a big history in the Champions League. They've experienced everything in the Champions League.
"The most important thing for us in the Champions League is to have a feeling of knockout Champions League for the players that never did it.
"This is the first time that they play, some of them. Oscar and Hazard and these kind of guys."
Terry converted Lampard's free-kick in stoppage time for Chelsea to beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday and consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League.
Both players, and Ashley Cole, are out of contract at the end of this season.
Mourinho expects Terry and Lampard to be offered new deals and has previously spoken of anticipating an offer to be made to Cole, too, despite the left-back being out of favour at present.
"If they get a contract in this club, which probably they will, they will do based on performance, based on the quality they are showing," Mourinho added.
"It will not be because they are legends or because we owe them something or because they want to stay here at any cost. They are performing."
The Blancos legend feels that the Liga leaders are in fine fettle right now, not least because of the fine form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso
Raul believes that Carlo Ancelotti has put together the best Real Madrid side in recent years.
The Blancos legend will be an interested spectator when the Liga leaders travel to Germany on Wednesday to take on another of his former sides, Schalke.
The 36-year-old striker, who spent 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and two in Gelsenkirchen, believes the Champions League last-16, first-leg clash will be a tough game for both sides, though he feels that Madrid are as strong as they have been for some time.
"I love both teams,” Raul told Goal. “I spent my best moments as a footballer with them and I really wish them good luck.
"Real Madrid are putting in great performances nowadays and are in their best condition in recent years, but Schalke is a good team and they have proved that by reaching the knockout stages.
“This game will be difficult for both teams.”
However, the former Spain forward feels that Schalke must give "120 per cent" to have a chance of overcoming Madrid's star-studded line-up.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is without question the best player at the moment," Raul told Schalke's official website.
"He is currently experiencing the strongest phase of his career. His achievements and his consistency stand out.
"Xabi Alonso is also extremely important for the team. He is the puppet master in midfield, a kind of conductor. But there are also many other great personalities such as Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
"I believe that Schalke has to play beyond its limits in both games. Each player on the pitch needs to be at 120 percent and play at their full potential. And that little bit of luck of course will help."
He also feels the quality of the competition this season makes it impossible to say with any certainty who will lift the Champions League trophy this year.
"It's very difficult to predict as you saw all of the home teams lost last week," he pointed out. "There are a lot of strong teams; this year needs more effort to win it because it is such a hot contest.”
Jurgen Klopp expects Zenit to provide a tough UEFA Champions League challenge for Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
The Bundesliga side have travelled to Russia for the first leg of their last-16 tie and will be seen as favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, but Klopp believes his team face a closer match than many may expect.
Dortmund have displayed good form since the turn of the year, yet return to European action on the back of a shock 3-0 defeat at Hamburg last weekend.
Zenit, on the other hand, have not played a competitive match since their Champions League defeat to Austria Vienna on December 11 as the Russian Premier League takes a lengthy break to avoid harsh weather conditions.
That break could be a hindrance for the hosts, but Klopp predicts they will be fresh and ready for Dortmund's visit.
"We watched all the Zenit games we could see including training games in Israel, and all the group games," the coach said at a press conference on Monday.
"We anticipate a very strong footballing team.
"Russian football has evolved considerably in recent years. This makes it very exciting for us.
Klopp still has decisions to make regarding his starting line-up, with Mats Hummels pushing for a recall following an ankle injury.
"I think Mats Hummels will be in training and then we will decide whether he will play," Klopp added.
"(Robert) Lewandowski has been able to recover and today (Monday) he looked pretty good. He will be able to train normally."
Luciano Spalletti says Zenit are "100 per cent ready" to face Borussia Dortmund but admits his side are underdogs.
The Russian outfit meet Jurgen Klopp's men at Stadion Petrovskij on Tuesday in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.
Due to Russia's mid-season break, Zenit - who top their domestic league - have not played a competitive fixture since losing 4-1 to Austria Vienna on December 11 during the Champions League group stages.
Head coach Spalletti insists his players are nevertheless fully prepared, but recognises the quality of Dortmund, last season's runners-up, may prove significant.
"Dortmund are a very strong team who last year played in the Champions League final," he said.
"That says a lot. In the Bundesliga there is one team out in front: Bayern Munchen. Dortmund are fighting for second place in the Bundesliga, one of the strongest European leagues.
"We're going to play one of the strongest opponents that we can possibly imagine. I don't know if our 100 per cent readiness is enough for us to reach Dortmund's level. But we're going to be 100 per cent ready."
The Italian believes Zenit can continue to grow in stature and eventually challenge in Europe's premier competition, adding: "The Champions League commands a lot of effort and attention and can affect the preceding game or the one that follows.
"We are working to keep pace and, in time, grow and improve. Behind us we have a big city and a huge number of fans who care about the club.
"The Zenit management are very ambitious people. They set high goals and we strive to meet them. I've told my players that we have a rare opportunity to not just write a chapter in our history, but put the title on the cover story of Zenit."
Coach Michel does not believe a lack of experience will count against Olympiacos when Manchester United visit on Tuesday.
The Greek side boast a 20-point lead at the top of their domestic league, but head into their two-legged UEFA Champions League last-16 tie as underdogs.
Although three-time European champions United boast a wealth of experience when it comes to continental competition, Michel expects his team - runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain in Group C - to prosper during Tuesday's first leg in Athens.
"It is an advantage that a lot of our players do not have experience at this level," said the Spaniard.
"The passion and mood we displayed to get here will guide us and we can create problems for United.
"Of course experience counts, but we have the capability to overcome the lack of experience. With all due respect to United, we will do everything in our power, whatever is not forbidden."
In contrast to Olympiacos, who have won 24 out of 26 league games this season, United have endured a disappointing season to date and sit sixth in the Premier League.
Yet Michel is not underestimating the quality of David Moyes' outfit, preferring instead to focus on his own club's preparations.
"United are top class and I will not comment about United's form. What's definite is that we will see the best possible Olympiacos (on Tuesday)," he added.
"The players are fully prepared. Our opponents are such a top club that we cannot afford to give less than 100 per cent. Our opponents are too big not to be at their best. We know what we can do.
"United cannot afford any mistakes given their position in the Premier League. This pressure may be a burden for the players.
"It may weigh too much on the players. We do not, however, know how it will affect their performance.
"We are in better shape than we were two months ago, (are) more experienced and have worked more and are better prepared. Our players are confident and psyched up."
Olympiacos midfielder Giannis Maniatis echoed his coach's comments, adding: "United have not been doing so well. But it will be wrong to say that they will be easier to beat.
"United are a huge and historic club that knows how to play these matches. We must be fully focused for 90 minutes. We respect them but we do not fear them."
"We have all been waiting for this for a long time. It is the match of the year for us."
Luciano Spalletti told his FC Zenit side they can "write a chapter in our history" by ousting Borussia Dortmund, who arrive for the first leg lifted by the possible return of Mats Hummels.
FC Zenit have an opportunity to "write a chapter in our history" and break new ground by reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. That is what Luciano Spalletti has told his players as they prepare to take on Borussia Dortmund in the club's second incursion into the round of 16. Beaten by SL Benfica at this juncture two years ago, Zenit host a Dortmund side who could field centre-back Mats Hummels for the first time since late January.
Zenit
Luciano Spalletti, Zenit coach
Yes, I have two top-quality goalkeepers. You can interpret this as a problem but I don't think so – this is good for a coach. I'm very pleased with the displays of [Yuri] Lodygin and very glad that [Vyacheslav] Malafeev is back. I can't say who will start tomorrow because we still have one training session.
[José] Rondon trained fully and, like everyone else, is ready to take part in the game. [Aleksandr] Kerzhakov didn't finish training yesterday [Sunday] due to a back problem, but our medical staff have eliminated the possibility of anything serious.
Dortmund are a very strong team who last year played in the Champions League final – that says a lot. In the Bundesliga there is one team out in front: Bayern München. Dortmund are fighting for second place in one of the strongest European leagues.
The Champions League commands a lot of effort and attention and can affect the preceding game or the one that follows. We are working to keep pace and, in time, grow and improve. Behind us we have a big city and a huge number of fans who care about the club.
The Zenit management are very ambitious people. They set high goals and we strive to meet them. I've told my players we have a rare opportunity to not just write a chapter in our history, but to put the title on the cover story of Zenit.
Weekend result
No game
• Zenit have not played a domestic fixture since 6 December when they ended 2013 level with FC Lokomotiv Moskva atop the Premier-Liga. They have played friendlies in Qatar, Israel and Turkey, rounding off preparations with a goalless draw against Belarusian champions FC BATE Borisov on 16 February. They resume their league campaign on 9 March at home to FC Tom Tomsk.
Team news
Danny and Cristian Ansaldi are out with unknown injuries picked up against BATE. Roman Shirokov is recovering from a heel problem.
Dortmund
Jürgen Klopp, Dortmund coach
We've watched all Zenit's games, including those at their training camp in Israel and in the group stage, particularly against Atlético Madrid and Porto. Ourselves and Zenit were in difficult groups – I would consider Atlético to be a dark horse for the Champions League. I spoke to Mats Hummels on the plane and I think he will train. Only then will we decide whether he will play.
It is not important which country has the strongest league. Maybe it's Spain, England or Germany, so second place is quite an honour. As for Russian football, it is progressing and Zenit are in the quarter-finals for the second time. [Robert] Lewandowski was rested at the weekend but will participate in training and will be ready for the game.
• Hamburg, who had lost their previous eight games in all competitions, condemned Dortmund to their joint-heaviest defeat of the season.
Team news
Marco Reus and Sven Bender (both thigh) returned to action at the weekend after respective two-week absences, but the latter may be sidelined until May by a groin injury sustained in the first half. Hummels could play following a heel problem, while Erik Durm has a thigh complaint. İlkay Gündoğan (spine), Neven Subotić (knee) and Jakob Błaszczykowski (knee) are long-term absentees.
Match fact
• This is only the second time the Russian side have made it through to the last 16. In 2011/12 they beat Benfica 3-2 at home, Roman Shirokov scoring twice, but lost 2-0 away.
Olympiacos FC coach Míchel vowed to "do everything in our power" to defeat Manchester United FC in their last-16 opener, with David Moyes braced for a "tough" match.
by Paris Ayiomamiti
from Piraeus
Míchel cut an ebullient figure as he spelled out the challenge facing Olympiacos FC in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 opener against Manchester United FC in Greece. "I'm delighted to have reached this stage and can't wait for tomorrow's match," enthused the Spanish coach, who backed his charges to ask questions of a United side buoyed by the goalscoring form of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
Olympiacos
Míchel, Olympiacos coach
I'm delighted to have reached this stage and can't wait for tomorrow's match. The stakes are high and we won't give anything away. Of course experience counts but we have the ability to overcome our lack of it. The passion we have displayed to get here will serve us well against United and cause them problems. We will do everything in our power to beat them tomorrow night.
We are in better shape than we were two months ago. We have been working hard and everyone is well prepared. The players are extremely motivated and raring to go. United are a top-class team and I will not comment on their form. They cannot afford to make any errors given their position in the Premier League. We also can't afford to give anything less than 100%.
• Marko Šćepović came on for the injured Javier Saviola and scored his first professional hat-trick. Olympiacos are 19 matches unbeaten in all competitions (W16 D3), dating back to November, and have won 24 of their 26 Greek Super League games this term.
Team news
Saviola is out with a thigh problem sustained at the weekend, though Nelson Valdez (ankle) is now available. Giannis Maniatis, Iván Marcano, Delvin N'Dinga, Alejandro Domínguez and Michael Olaitan were all rested on Saturday.
Manchester United
David Moyes, United manager
I really enjoy these games so I'm looking forward to it. Winning the group was a boost, but the game against Olympiacos will be tough. We have to play well to qualify. It's an opportunity to try and win a competition, but we have to get through this tie first.
Rooney and Van Persie are in really good shape and they're both scoring goals in the big games. We are a far better team when they are with us. Olympiacos have done well this season, particularly against Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica. They came through a difficult group so we know it's going to be tough.
Weekend result
Saturday: Crystal Palace FC 0-2 United (Van Persie 62pen, Rooney 68)
De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra; Fellaini (Fletcher 88), Carrick; Mata, Rooney, Januzaj (Giggs 80); Van Persie (Valencia).
• Wayne Rooney, who agreed a new contract until 2019 on 21 February, made his 300th top-flight appearance for United on Saturday, marking the occasion by becoming only the second player after Frank Lampard to score ten or more Premier League goals in ten consecutive seasons.
Team news
Jonny Evans (calf) and Phil Jones (concussion) have not travelled to Piraeus but "everybody else is here," Moyes confirmed.
Match fact
• United have won all four of the clubs' past encounters, which came in the 2001/02 and 2002/03 first group stages. Ryan Giggs has featured every time, scoring three goals.
(Reuters) - Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski scored twice in a clinical 4-2 win at Zenit St Petersburg who were made to pay for some dreadful defending in their Champions League last 16, first-leg tie on Tuesday.
Zenit offered free tea and pies to the visiting fans at the Petrovsky stadium and their players were equally generous as they repeatedly gifted possession to their Bundesliga opponents.
Dortmund grabbed two goals in the first five minutes through Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan after Zenit, looking rusty as they started their first match after a two-month winter break, twice lost possession on the halfway line.
Although the hosts fought back with second-half goals from Oleg Shatov and a Hulk penalty, Lewandowski replied on each occasion, helped by some more mishaps in the Zenit rearguard, as he took his tally in this year's competition to six.
The second leg on March 19 should now be a formality for last season's runners-up against opponents who qualified for the last 16 despite mustering only six points in the group stage and were clearly out of their depth in the knockout phase.
"We were incredibly active and aggressive. It's not easy to do that. The team put in a fantastic performance," Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp told reporters.
"This was close to an optimal performance. We pressed to great effect against a dangerous team."
Disappointed Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti added: "...we conceded the two quick goals. It made a big imprint on the match and as a matter of fact decided the game.
"We made too many ridiculous mistakes and were punished. You can't afford these kind of mistakes at this level against opponents like Borussia. If you do you pay a very high price."
LOST POSSESSION
Zenit, forced to close several sections of the stadium because of racist incidents in their group game at Austria Vienna, were quickly in trouble when Yuri Lodygin's goal kick was collected by Dortmund on the halfway line.
Marco Reus burst into the area and, although he stumbled, the ball ran kindly to Mkhitaryan and the Armenian fired the ball past Lodygin.
The Zenit goalkeeper had to pick the ball out of his net again 70 seconds later after Zenit incredibly lost possession on the halfway line again following the restart.
This time, Mkhitaryan burst down the right and found Kevin Grosskreutz who laid the ball off for Reus to score with a clinical first-time finish.
Dortmund continued to pen Zenit back in their own half and Reus curled another shot just wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area.
Zenit's Brazil striker Hulk barely got a touch of the ball and their new signing, Venezuela forward Jose Salomon Rondon, bought from fellow Russian side Rubin Kazan, was also isolated.
However, Zenit regrouped after the break and briefly threatened to stage a fightback.
LEWANDOWSKI DOUBLE
After Lewandowski's powerful effort was turned around the post by Lodygin, the Russians cut the deficit in the 57th minute with a scrambled goal when Shatov fired in from the rebound after Rondon had one effort headed away and then hit the post.
Poland striker Lewandowski, who will join Bayern Munich in June, restored Dortmund's two-goal advantage four minutes later after combining with compatriot Lukasz Piszczek as Zenit were caught out by a counter-attack down the right.
There was renewed hope for the home side when Hulk pulled another goal back with a controversial penalty in the 69th minute, awarded after Viktor Fayzulin dribbled into the area and collided with Piszczek.
But their hopes were crushed again two minutes later when Anatoliy Tymoshchuk dithered and was dispossessed in his own half by Reus, who slipped the ball through for Lewandowski to score with a low, angled shot.
"It was incredibly important to grab two goals so early. They were completely thrown off by that," Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl told Sky.
"We stayed compact and made it difficult for them to create chances. We were dominant at the end."
Zenit's Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel conceded they face an almost impossible task in the return, saying: "Now we have a difficult task in Dortmund, it is necessary to win 3-0. Only a miracle can help us, but in football everything is possible."
Spalletti added: "...we still have hope. We need to think what we can do on a specific day and in a specific game. We have to show a more consistent performance and avoid the mistakes."
(Writing by Brian Homewood; Additional reporting by Dmitriy Rogovitskiy in Moscow; editing by Ken Ferris)
By Graham Wood
ATHENS Tue Feb 25, 2014 11:58pm GMT
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand (L) struggles for the ball against Olympiakos'Jose Holebas during their Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match at Karaiskaki stadium in Piraeus, near Athens, February 25, 2014. REUTERS-Yorgos Karahalis
(Reuters) - Manchester United's dwindling hopes of lifting a trophy this season are dangling by a thread after they produced an abject display to lose 2-0 at Olympiakos Piraeus in a Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.
Alejandro Dominguez opened the scoring with a clever first-half flick and Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell added a sublime second goal to leave United facing a huge task to overturn the deficit in the return match at Old Trafford on March 19.
"That's the worst we've played in Europe. We didn't deserve to get anything," manager David Moyes told reporters. "I'm surprised, I didn't see that level of performance coming.
"I take responsibility, we have to play better. The players are hurting."
Defeat at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium represented yet another body blow in an inauspicious campaign for last season's English Premier League title winners.
United are out of the FA Cup and the League Cup and trail Premier League leaders Chelsea by 15 points with 11 games left to play.
Moyes's men looked sluggish and disjointed against an inexperienced Olympiakos side who are bidding to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.
It was the first time the Greeks had beaten United in five attempts.
"To beat a great side like United, the way we did, is something very special and I can't hide the joy and pride I feel for my players," said Olympiakos coach Michel.
"We picked the best moment to show Greek football is alive and kicking," added the former Spain and Real Madrid striker.
Moyes opted to start with two wingers, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, but neither made an impact in a first half in which runaway the Greek league leaders displayed real energy and hunger.
ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD
After a cautious opening from both sides amid ear-splitting noise from an enthusiastic home crowd, the first chance fell to Olympiakos as Dominguez burst through the middle on a solo run only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Nemanja Vidic.
Midfielder Tom Cleverley registered United's only effort of note in the first half with a 17th-minute half-volley that sailed high over the bar.
Strike pair Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were peripheral figures for the visitors as pot shots on goal from Giannis Maniatis and Hernan Perez lifted the home supporters.
Olympiakos, wearing bright red and white jerseys, red shorts and socks, broke the deadlock seven minutes before halftime with a smart piece of improvisation from Argentine forward Dominguez.
Patrice Evra's half-hearted clearance from a corner landed at the feet of Maniatis 25 metres out and his tame, low shot was expertly diverted past keeper David De Gea by Dominguez's flick.
United, the European champions in 1968, 1999 and 2008, were punished again for poor defending 10 minutes into the second half.
Campbell, who is likely to feature for Costa Rica against Group D rivals England at the World Cup in Brazil in June, did the damage.
He picked up possession 25 metres out, jinked past midfielder Michael Carrick and sent a curling left-foot shot round defender Rio Ferdinand and into the bottom corner of the net.
Moyes sent on Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa for Valencia and Cleverley but it was more a change in attitude than personnel that was required from United.
Dutch striker Van Persie summed up his team's night with five minutes to go. He received the ball 12 metres out and turned inside a defender before blazing a right-foot shot way over the bar.
"It is a great moment for us and we will enjoy it but we must look ahead to the second leg. Whoever thinks 2-0 is enough to qualify is mistaken," said Michel.
"We expect a different United at Old Trafford. We have huge respect for them so we have to keep working if we want to write another piece of history."
UEFA Champions League: Zenit 2 Borussia Dortmund 4
25 February 2014
Two goals in the opening five minutes put Borussia Dortmund on course for a pulsating 4-2 UEFA Champions League win over Zenit.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus punished a lacklustre start from the Russian side, who were playing a competitive fixture for the first time since December 11, as last year's runners-up significantly enhanced their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
Oleg Shatov pulled a goal back for the hosts 12 minutes into the second half, only for Robert Lewandowski to swiftly restore Dortmund's two-goal advantage with his fifth goal in the competition this season.
A penalty from Hulk in the 69th minute brought Zenit back within a goal once again, yet the hosts then allowed Lewandowski too much room in the penalty area and the Poland international doubled his tally.
The two sides meet again on March 19 with the Bundesliga side holding a considerable advantage having managed four away goals.
Dortmund took control of the game almost immediately as Zenit struggled to get back into the swing of competitive football.
Reus, starting his first game in three weeks, was immediately on the offensive and jinked his way into the penalty area in the fourth minute.
The 24-year-old could have gone down under the challenge of a defender but instead touched the ball to Mkhitaryan, who swept home.
A minute later the visitors were two goals ahead with Mkhitaryan and Reus again involved.
Kevin Grosskreutz laid the Armenian's right-wing cross into the path of Reus and the latter sent a left-footed volley under Yuri Lodygin.
The Russian Premier League leaders slowly worked their way back into the game, but were initially unable to test Roman Weidenfeller.
With half an hour played Dortmund came close to extending their lead further as Lukasz Piszczek and Reus exchanged passes on the edge of the penalty area.
The ball broke for the forward but his curling effort flew just wide of Lodygin's goal.
After withstanding another strong start in the second half, Zenit halved their deficit through Shatov, although there were hints of offside in the build-up.
Salomon Rondon and Shatov both appeared to be offside when the ball was played into the penalty area, but play continued and the Venezuelan striker hit the post before Shatov fired home.
Zenit were only level for four minutes as Lewandowski played a one-two with international team-mate Piszczek and beat Lodygin with a low strike.
A clumsy challenge by Piszczek on Viktor Fayzulin in the 68th minute saw Zenit awarded a penalty, which Hulk emphatically converted.
Yet Lewandowski offered another quick reply, firing low across Lodygin to seal the win in the 71st minute after Reus had robbed Anatoliy Tymoshchuk inside the Zenit half.
UEFA Champions League: Olympiacos 2 Manchester United 0
25 February 2014
Alejandro Dominguez and Joel Campbell gave Olympiacos a deserved 2-0 UEFA Champions League win as Manchester United's season hit a new low.
Out of both domestic cup competitions and comfortably adrift in the Premier League title race, United manager David Moyes spoke boldly this week of claiming Europe's top prize.
The message did not appear to get through to his players on a night of toil in Piraeus.
An instinctive 38th-minute flick from the excellent Dominguez gave Olympiacos a deserved lead before on-loan Arsenal forward Campbell ensured they will protect an two-goal cushion at Old Trafford on March 19th.
The visitors badly lacked a creative spark, with Moyes' decision to employ Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young in the wide midfield positions, while leaving Adnan Januzaj and Shinji Kagawa on the bench sure to come under the spotlight.
Nevertheless, the embattled former Everton boss should have had his blushes partially spared when Robin van Persie passed up a glorious late chance.
Top scorer Kostas Mitroglou's January departure to Fulham and a thigh injury suffered by seasoned forward Javier Saviola left 21-year-old Nigerian Michael Olaitan to lead the Olympiacos attack.
Moyes' men made a nervy start amid a fervent atmosphere in Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis - Rio Ferdinand twice losing possession in a matter of seconds before Dominguez's resulting shot was blocked.
Dominguez was Olympiacos' leading light in the opening exchanges and Nemanja Vidic was forced to make a last-ditch tackle to thwart the playmaker's storming eighth-minute solo run.
United belatedly settle and Tom Cleverley might have taken a 17th-minute chance, slashing over when the host failed to clear a corner.
Hernan Perez whipped a 26th-minute shot against the side netting and Olympiacos continued to carry the greater threat before going ahead in fortunate circumstance.
Campbell's cross was cleared as far as Giannis Maniatis and, although the midfielder's speculative effort appeared harmless, Dominguez was alert enough inside a crowded penalty area to divert the ball past David de Gea.
United almost found an instant response, Kostas Manolas heading Wayne Rooney's excellent free-kick from the left narrowly over his own bar, but an aimless pass into touch from Cleverley 30 seconds into the second half suggested their struggles were set to continue.
And so it proved in the 54th minute when Campbell greeted Michael Carrick's half-hearted attempt at a challenge with a nutmeg before curling a measured shot beyond De Gea from 25 yards.
With the tie slipping away, Moyes introduced Kagawa but Giannis Maniatis went close to adding an improbable third, chesting down and firing over after Carrick failed to clear.
Olympiacos began to drop dangerously deep in the closing stages and United should have punished them with a vital away goal in the 81st minute, but Van Persie blasted off target having collected Chris Smalling's cross.
UEFA Champions League Preview: Galatasaray v Chelsea
24 February 2014
Galatasaray's Didier Drogba faces former club Chelsea for the first time since leaving in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Drogba is regarded as a legend by fans of the Premier League club, having clinched European glory in the competition with his final touch as a Chelsea player in the 2011-12 final against Bayern Munich.
Having scored 157 goals in 341 appearances for Chelsea, Drogba ensured a Hollywood ending at the club by converting the winning penalty against Bayern at the Allianz Arena.
However, Chelsea's fourth all-time highest scorer will be aiming to knock his former employers out of the competition when the sides meet in the last 16 at the Turk Telekom Arena.
The Ivorian has 12 goals to his name in all competitions this season, but Chelsea qualified top of Group E with the help of one of the tightest defences in the competition.
Along with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, Chelsea conceded just three goals in the group stage and have been breached just once in their last five Premier League outings.
Their latest victory - a 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday - maintained their lead in England's top flight, but Samuel Eto'o is eager for his team-mates to take one game at a time in their quest to win the double in Jose Mourinho's first season back at the club.
"We have never thought that we can't win the title, but Jose Mourinho came to Chelsea to do big things for the long run which he is trying to do," Eto'o told the club's official website.
"We players believe that it is possible but at the same time it is not our mission. Right now we are not thinking about other teams or the end of the season, we are just focused on our next game and that is Galatasaray."
As well as Drogba, Galatasaray coach Roberto Mancini also has plenty of experience with Chelsea - albeit sitting in the opposition dugout.
Mancini was involved in a number of clashes with Chelsea during his time at Manchester City - winning six of nine meetings in all competitions - and the Italian has enjoyed a relatively successful tenure so far in Istanbul.
Currently sitting second in the Super Lig behind Fenerbahce, Mancini also guided his side to second in Group B after a dramatic win over Juventus in a delayed game in the Turkish capital.
Wesley Sneijder's goal five minutes from time sent Gala through in dramatic fashion in a fixture put back a day due to snow.
Galatasaray are aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for a second successive season as they compete in the Champions League last 16 for just the second time.
However, they will look to avoid a repeat of Chelsea's only ever visit to Galatasaray, which saw the visitors pick up a 5-0 victory in 1999 courtesy of a Tore Andre Flo brace and further goals from Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Wise and Gabriele Ambrosetti.
UEFA Champions League Preview: Schalke v Real Madrid
24 February 2014
Real Madrid can arrest their poor record in Germany and take a big step towards the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by beating Schalke.
The sides meet in the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition on Wednesday, with Real having won just once in 25 attempts on their previous visits to German opposition
Real's solitary away victory over a German side came against Bayer Leverkusen in 2000.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's in-form side should be high on confidence going into their first-leg clash at the Veltins Arena, having moved three points clear at the top of La Liga over the weekend.
Ancelotti's charges have won 15 of their last 16 in all competitions, conceding just twice in their last five outings, and were also the leading scorers in the Champions League group stages.
With Cristiano Ronaldo providing nine goals, a record for the group stage, Real found the net 20 times when dominating a pool that also featured fellow qualifiers Galatasaray, Juventus and Copenhagen.
Ronaldo has missed Real's last three league games through suspension but can be expected to return in Gelsenkirchen, with Ancelotti, who tasted victory over Schalke with Milan in the 2005-06 Champions League, stating his intention to field a full-strength line-up.
"Before we play Schalke we'll have to see how (recent injury victims) Marcelo and (Fabio) Coentrao are," the Italian explained.
"We will play the strongest possible team. Now all the matches are extremely important. It might be a case of whoever doesn't play on Wednesday will play on Sunday (against Atletico Madrid)."
Schalke have displayed similarly impressive domestic form recently, enjoying a 100 per cent record since the Bundesliga's winter break up until Friday's goalless draw with Mainz.
While that stalemate ended their winning run, Schalke remain in the Bundesliga's top four and have been boosted by the return of Julian Draxler following an ankle injury.
Draxler could line up alongside the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Max Meyer and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, with the latter set to feature against his former club.
The Netherlands international expects his side to ask questions of Real Madrid's defence.
"I think our best weapon is our attacking play. We can score a goal at any point during the match and we are always a threat up front," Huntelaar told Marca.
"You know that Germany tends to be a nightmare for Real Madrid. It's a good sign but we will see what happens. After all, this is football."
While Real have a poor record on German soil, Schalke will be well aware of the need to secure a positive result on Wednesday, having not won any of their last seven games in Spain.
Schalke Coach Jens Keller has rated Real Madrid as the second best team in the world, behind Bayern Munich.
Madrid travel to Schalke for the Champions League tie on Wednesday and Keller told his pre-match Press conference that there are few teams playing at a higher level than Los Blancos.
“Real Madrid are amongst the best teams in the world - after Bayern Munich of course, who are the best.” Keller said.
“They have exceptional players in every position. It’s not going to be easy but we’re playing at home and to match Real Madrid, all of our players need to give 100 per cent.
“That’s only way we can achieve a small miracle.”
Keller added that while he considers Madrid to be one of the best teams in the world, Schalke have not turned to the dark arts for a helping hand.
“Preparing for this match is vital but we take all of our preparations seriously, for every game,” he said.
“This is a particular game but during our preparations, we’ve been treating it as normal.
“We haven’t been performing black magic for this game in particular.”
Keller was present for Madrid’s 3-0 Copa del Rey win over Atletico Madrid earlier in February and was impressed by what he saw.
“I saw a very compact side who constantly looked dangerous on the attack,” he revealed.
“It was a local derby. A team like Madrid has very few faults and you have to look for them and exploit them.
“How we perform collectively will be the determining factor. We must play with spirit and courage. We will be punished if we leave them any spaces.”
Schalke could include in-demand Germany international Julian Draxler but when it was put to Keller that this game was a chance to advertise Draxler to interested parties, the Coach responded emphatically.
“We are not interested in putting any of our players in a shop window. The most important thing is that he’s fit and able to play.
“He’s been training for the past three days. We’ll make our decision after seeing how he is and how he feels. This isn’t about showcasing Draxler, it’s about fielding our best side.”
Keller is taking heart from both Germany’s success in the Champions League last season and the traditional struggle Madrid face when on German soil.
“Some teams have greater resources in terms of income like the English and Spanish clubs but last year, there were two German sides in the final,” Keller pointed out.
“We’re not such a bad side and we’ll be giving 100 per cent.
“As a coach you can refer to what has happened in previous visits but in the end it makes no difference.
Madrid are a great rival and we will be standing up to them with determination and hope.”
