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Borussia Dortmund-Zenit Preview: Reus a doubt & Arshavin sidelined as Russians look for a miracle
With newly-appointed coach Andre Villas-Boas set to be watching, the visitors face an arduous task against Jurgen Klopp's side, who are eager to get back to winning ways
By Matthew Rogerson
Acting Zenit head coach Sergey Semak faces a stiff task to overturn a 4-2 deficit against Borussia Dortmund in his first European game.
Semak was handed control of first-team affairs at Zenit last week following the departure of Luciano Spalletti and will oversee his first Champions League match on Wednesday at Signal Iduna Park.
However, it could well be his last for some time, with Andre Villas-Boas having been announced as Spalletti's long-term successor and Dortmund strong favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.
Things could be much worse for Zenit, given that Dortmund - last seasons's Champions League runners-up - moved two goals ahead inside six minutes in the first leg of their last-16 tie, which took place in Russia last month.
However, Jurgen Klopp's side will have to suffer an unlikely collapse on home turf if Zenit are to progress.
Dortmund have won eight of their last nine Champions League home games, with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in this season's group stage the only setback.
Zenit, meanwhile, head into Wednesday's game having triumphed in just one of their last seven Russian Premier League matches.
Spalletti's exit followed a goalless draw with Tom Tomsk and Zenit then suffered a 1-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow at the weekend in Semak's first game at the helm.
Belgian defender Nicolas Lombaerts says he and his team-mates must take responsibility for the club's poor form.
"If the coach is fired, the players should take a look at themselves. In the end, if he was fired, then we're one of the main causes," Lombaerts told the club's official website.
"But unfortunately that's the life of a head coach, and we have to move on. We're playing for Zenit, so we have to do everything to get back on top."
While Dortmund slipped up with defeat at the weekend, they are still a point ahead of third-placed Schalke in the Bundesliga - with the two sides due to meet next Tuesday.
They also remain in contention for the DFB-Pokal and history suggests they will progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League as well.
In the 12 Uefa competition ties where Dortmund have won the first leg away from home, they have triumphed on aggregate 11 times.
Striker Robert Lewandowski has underlined the team's eagerness to bounce back after the loss to Borussia Monchengladbach.
"Of course we can play better. In the end, a draw would have been fair. Now we need to check off the defeat quickly and focus on Zenit St. Petersburg on Wednesday," he told Dortmund's official website.
Klopp could be without Marco Reus, who has missed Dortmund's last three games with a muscle problem, while Zenit's Aleksandr Ryazantsev, a January signing from Rubin Kazan, is not registered for the Champions League and Andrey Arshavin is ruled out through injury.
Moyes urges Old Trafford crowd to roar Manchester United past Olympiakos
By Stephen Darwin
Mar 18, 2014 8:04:00 AM
The under-pressure Scot calls for the supporters to get behind his side as they look to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit and reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Beleaguered Manchester United manager David Moyes has called on the club's supporters to roar his team past Olympiakos and into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Moyes, who held a crisis meeting with his backroom staff on Monday, knows that defeat to the Greek champions would cast further doubt over his future at Old Trafford with United's disastrous season having taken a further turn for the worse in Sunday's defeat to Liverpool.
And, although the former Everton boss appreciates that his side have a mountain to climb after suffering defeat in the first leg of their crucial last-16 tie, he believes that the fans can play a significant role in forging an unlikely comeback.
Moyes told the club's official website: "The players are capable of turning it around. We're all desperate to put things right and make sure we play better to give the supporters here something to shout about.
"They shouted [against Liverpool] and we didn't give them anything on the field. When we went to Greece, the Olympiakos fans played their part so hopefully our fans will roar us on.
"We have to go for the throat to get the win. We won't be gung-ho but we will certainly go with a mindset to overhaul the deficit as quickly as we can.
"We won't be reckless as we could find ourselves with a bigger mountain to climb but we can be forceful. We have to be if we're to keep ourselves in the Champions League."
You can't take down Hulk easily, warns Grosskreutz
By Enis Koylu
Mar 18, 2014 11:32:00 AM
The Borussia Dortmund man believes his side cannot count on a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League just yet as the Brazilian prepares to visit Germany with Zenit
Borussia Dortmund utility man Kevin Grosskreutz believes that his side cannot afford to underestimate the threat posed by Hulk.
Jurgen Klopp's side hold a 4-2 advantage over Zenit St Petersburg in the last 16 of the Champions League going into Wednesday's home leg.
However, the Germany international feels that the tie is far from over and has warned that the Brazilian could yet swing the odds in Zenit's favour.
"The return game will be hard work," he told Der Westen.
"Zenit have spent a lot of money and we must not take them lightly. Hulk is a physically strong player and you can't take him down easily.
"He can shoot from anywhere, but we're in a good position from the first leg."
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Jonas Hofmann is optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the last eight, but is still refusing to take qualification for granted.
"Right now, we have one foot in the quarter-finals," he added.
"But 3-0 would be enough for Zenit. This may sound crazy, but we were also 2-0 up out of nowhere in St Petersburg."
Stielike predicts Madrid-Bayern Champions League final
By Enis Koylu
Mar 18, 2014 10:17:00 AM
The former Blancos star believes Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola's sides are the strongest in Europe and is hoping they meet in Lisbon at the end of the season
Former Real Madrid and West Germany star Uli Stielike believes that Carlo Ancelotti's side will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
The Bavarians are the defending European champions and have already booked a quarter-final berth by beating Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate.
The Liga leaders are set to join them thanks to their 6-1 first-leg win over Schalke in the last 16 and the 59-year-old, who spent eight years at Santiago Bernabeu, believes the two are the best sides in Europe.
"Bayern may be the strongest," he told AS.
"They have the best bench in the world, which is vital to compete in three competition, and have 16 or 18 starters.
"It would be good if the final was between Bayern and Madrid. They're the strongest. Ancelotti has stuck with the 4-3-3 and is getting stronger.
"And you don't have to compare the standings this year and last year. They are fighting for three trophies. At first there were doubts about Ancelotti, but it was the same in Pep Guardiola's first month at Bayern."
Barcelona have been criticised for moving away from the quick passing game which defined their ascent to the top of the world game over the last decade but Stielike believes results should come first for the 2011 winners.
"People are right in saying they are playing different. Possession is now less important and they want to be more efficient. But that doesn't change the strength of the team.
"One-touch football is more attractive, but at the end of the day, results count. Nobody askes if you touched the ball 18 times or four times if you win."
Finally, Stielike claimed that Bayern's brilliant form over the last 18 months has seen the Bundesliga break into two different factions.
"The first assessment is to be done in the Bundesliga. There are two tournaments. Bayern playing at the top and another in which there are three teams trying to get into the Champions League.
"There's a huge difference between Bayern and the rest."
David Moyes remains hopeful he will continue as Manchester United manager despite the club's woeful form.
Tuesday 18th March 2014
United's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday was the latest in a series of disappointing results for the Scot in his debut season in charge at Old Trafford.
Going out of the Champions League to Olympiacos on Wednesday would be another blow to the manager's credibility.
But when asked if not overcoming a two-goal deficit against the Greeks would have any impact on his future, Moyes told a press conference: "My future has not changed one bit.
"I have a great job. I know exactly the direction I want to go in.
"The season has not been as good as I had hoped but I have ideas that I will put in place when the time is right."
It is understood that the United board are not considering replacing Moyes at this points despite a terrible season which has seen the team plummet to seventh in the Barclays Premier League with nine matches of the campaign left.
Moyes said in his press conference that he has had a lot of support from the United hierarchy, including his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I speak with him regularly and when he is at the games," Moyes said of his compatriot.
"He has been very supportive. He told me it would be a difficult job before I came in, but he and (vice chairman) Ed (Woodward) are very supportive."
Moyes added: "We have big plans for years going forward.
"This is a club that works on a long-term vision, not a short-term one and that is why I was given a six-year contract."
United handed Olympiacos a 2-0 aggregate lead in Athens three weeks ago thanks to a toothless display from the reigning Premier League champions.
Only five teams have overturned a deficit of two goals or more in the Champions League era, but Moyes thinks he can still make it through to the quarter-finals.
He said: "We will try and do that. It is not something that has happened a lot but it is something we have to make happen."
Despite their sub-par performances this term, Moyes still has confidence in his players.
"The know they can play better, I don't think any of them are questioning that," he said.
"But I believe in the players. They agree they have not showed it as often as they would like, but I hope they can show it tomorrow night."
Moyes feels the squad owe their support a good performance after a season that has seen them lose five home matches.
"I think the support inside Old Trafford has been phenomenal," Moyes added.
"The first thing I mentioned to the players (after the Liverpool defeat) was that we need to give something back, me, the team, we need to make sure to give them a night to remember.
"We will leave nothing behind on the night hopefully and give everything to get through to the next round."
Defender Patrice Evra, who has won one Champions League and five Premier League titles since joining the club eight years ago, knows the team's performances have not been up to scratch, but he says they will give it their all against Olympiacos.
"It has been a difficult season for everyone," the left-back said.
"We are not used to losing games but everyone will fight for this club, everyone loves this club.
"In life you always have a second chance. I am not going to tell you we are going to qualify but I promise we are going to fight and the fans will be proud of us after the game."
United will be without Chris Smalling (hamstring) and Jonny Evans (calf) for the match.
UEFA Champions League: Chelsea 2 Galatasaray 0 (3-1 agg)
18 March 2014
Jose Mourinho's bid for UEFA Champions League history is alive after reaching the last eight following Chelsea's 2-0 win over Galatasaray.
Mourinho went all the way in this competition with Porto in 2004 and Inter in 2010 and is bidding to become the first manager to the lift the famous trophy with three different clubs.
After a 1-1 draw in Turkey in the first leg, first-half goals from Samuel Eto'o and Gary Cahill - on his 100th Chelsea appearance - sealed a comfortable 3-1 aggregate success for the Premier League leaders on Tuesday, with the long-awaited Stamford Bridge return of Didier Drogba proving an anti-climax.
Eto'o opened the scoring with the first attack of the game, controlling Oscar's pass before firing low into the corner and Chelsea made their dominance count shortly before the break when Cahill converted the rebound from a John Terry header.
Former Chelsea striker Drogba had very little impact on the game, his most notable contribution coming in the first half when he blasted a free-kick over the crossbar and into a banner bearing his own name.
Mourinho's spiky relationship with opposite number Roberto Mancini was well documented in the build-up, but it was the Portuguese who had the last laugh as Chelsea secured an untroubled passage into the quarter-finals.
Eto'o, back in the side in place of Fernando Torres from the first leg, had scored all of his previous nine Chelsea goals at home and that trend continued in the fourth minute.
Eden Hazard played a pivotal role, spinning away from Felipe Melo before feeding Oscar, who slipped the ball into the path of the striker, the Cameroonian taking a touch before firing low beyond Fernando Muslera.
Hazard and Oscar combined to great effect once again midway through the half to set up Frank Lampard, who stabbed his effort wide.
Chelsea went close again in the 33rd minute, Lampard whipping in a free-kick from the left that Terry volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from 10 yards.
The hosts continued to press with Hazard at the centre of everything, this time bursting down the left to allow Eto'o to set up Willian, but the Brazilian's tame effort was comfortable for Muslera.
All Chelsea's pressure paid off three minutes before the break, Cahill smashing home from close range after Muslera had parried Terry's powerful downward header from a Lampard corner.
Willian tested Muslera with a powerful drive five minutes after the interval, while the Uruguayan also denied Lampard and substitute Torres towards the end.
In stoppage time, Drogba fluffed a chance to trouble Petr Cech on the goalkeeper's 100th Champions League appearance as Chelsea reached the quarter-finals for the eighth time in the last 11 seasons.
UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid 3 Schalke 1 (9-2 agg)
18 March 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Schalke 3-1 on Tuesday to seal their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
The prolific Portugal captain took his goal tally for the La Liga leaders to 41 for the season and 13 in the Champions League in 2013-14 as Carlo Ancelotti's side coasted to a 9-2 aggregate victory.
The tie was settled in the first leg in Gelsenkirchen a fortnight ago, when Ronaldo also scored twice as Real hammered the Bundesliga side 6-1 to put one foot in the last eight and Ancelotti's men finished off the job at the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo opened the scoring and restored Real's lead 16 minutes from time after Tim Hoogland finally opened his Schalke account and scored his first goal since January 2010 to equalise before the break.
Alvaro Morata sealed the victory a minute after Ronaldo's second goal and the former Manchester United forward struck the crossbar and the post in another outstanding display.
But there was concern for Real ahead of Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona as Jese Rodriguez was forced off early on with a knee injury.
Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso were the only Real players who started the first leg to keep their places in the side.
Kaan Ayhan made his first Champions League start as Schalke coach Jens Keller made three changes to the side hammered in the first encounter.
Gareth Bale was one of Real's key players to be given a rest, but the Wales forward came on just eight minutes in after Jese sustained a knee injury as a result of a Sead Kolasinac challenge.
Real were determined to finish the job in style and were in front after 21 minutes, when Bale picked out Ronaldo and the Portugal forward was left with a simple finish from six yards out.
Bale then produced a rapid turn of foot before setting up Morata, but the striker scuffed his right-foot finish with only Ralf Fahrmann to beat.
But Schalke were level against the run of play when defender Hoogland's strike from outside the penalty area deflected off Ramos and wrong-footed Casillas after 31 minutes.
Real responded and Fahrmann had to be alert to deny Isco and Morata. Former Real striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then spurned a great chance to give Schalke a half-time lead when his left-foot finish was just wide of the far post.
The prolific Ronaldo scented the opportunity to add to his incredible goal tally, but Fahrmann produced a fine save to keep out his downward header six minutes into the second half.
Schalke suffered a blow when Benedikt Howedes was withdrawn due to injury 11 minutes after the break and they were behind once again when Ronaldo drove forward 16 minutes from time and beat Fahrmann at his near post.
Ronaldo then spurned a chance to score a hat-trick when his shot struck the bar, but Bale set up Morata following up and the young striker made no mistake after he had been initially denied by Fahrmann. There was still time for Ronaldo to see a shot come back off the far post as he give Schalke a torrid time again.
The Italian was disappointed with the lame manner in which his side exited Europe after their tame showing at Stamford Bridge
Roberto Mancini labelled Galatasaray's showing in their 2-0 Champions League last-16 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday as "very, very bad".
After drawing the first leg 1-1 in Turkey, the Istanbul club knew they had to score at least once to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, but they put in a limp display at Stamford Bridge.
Even striker Didier Drogba, the subject of much of the talk in the build-up ahead of his return to his former club, failed to cause any problems for the home defence as first-half goals from Samuel Eto'o and Gary Cahill saw Chelsea through 3-1 on aggregate.
Mancini and opposite number Jose Mourinho did little to hide their dislike of each other leading up to the game but it will be the Portuguese who will come away much the happier after getting the better of his counterpart.
The Italian was left to rue his side's poor performance, conceding that Chelsea were worthy winners.
"We really played very, very badly," he said after the match.
"Chelsea were the better side and they converted the opportunities they got.
"It’s impossible to score with just one shot on goal. We need to take several steps in order to be a better team."
Drogba, meanwhile, was disappointed with his side's inability to match their first-leg performance.
"We wanted to play the way we played in the first leg but that did not happen," the Ivorian striker said.
"We are still learning and the team is still young. I hope next season things will be different."
The Italian watched his side book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday ahead of facing Barcelona in what could be a decisive league encounter.
Carlo Ancelotti said he was "excited" by Real Madrid's charge for honours after los Blancos beat Schalke 3-1 on the night and 9-2 on aggregate to secure their passage into the Champions League quarter-finals.
It was a night of mixed emotions for the capital outfit after Jese Rodriguez was stretchered off with a cruciate knee ligament injury, while Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Ferenc Puskas' record of 242 goals for the club.
Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the first half before Schalke briefly levelled through Tim Hoogland. The Portuguese restored Madrid's lead on 74 minutes and Alvaro Morata rounded off the win 60 seconds later.
"I think we are in a good moment and we are really excited," said Ancelotti after the game.
"Europe's best teams have qualified so it will be very complicated for everyone. It is good for Spanish football to have three teams still in the competition."
However, Ancelotti admitted the atmosphere in the dressing room was a subdued one following the news of Jese's knee injury, which looks set to rule the 21-year-old out of action for several months.
"I believe Jese Rodriguez has broken his cruciate knee ligament. He is really unlucky," the Italian added.
"We will lose a very important player who has played very well this season but that is football. The dressing room has been affected by his injury."
Madrid's focus will now turn to La Liga and Saturday's Clasico encounter with Barcelona on Sunday evening. Victory for Ancelotti's side will put the Liga leaders seven points clear of their arch-rivals and the 54-year-old reveals he already knows which players will feature at the Bernabeu.
"We have to give our absolute best to beat Barcelona. I know which line-up I will use, it is not difficult and I won't complicate things."
Evra: Manchester United players need to show character
By Chris Davie
Mar 18, 2014 6:45:00 PM
The left-back admits the club's stars have been faced with a difficult challenge following their inconsistent performances this season
Patrice Evra has urged his Manchester United team-mates to show their character in Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Olympiakos.
David Moyes’ side face next season without Champions League football as they attempt to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat in Greece, while a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League looks unlikely this term.
United head into the fixture following a dismal display in Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool and Evra believes the club’s inconsistent performances this term have made it “difficult” for the players to cope with.
"I think even a three-year-old United fan has been hurting by all the problems," Evra told reporters.
"But in life you always have a second chance and we get it tomorrow night.
"I'm not telling you we're going to qualify, but I can promise you we're all going to fight and respect the shirt and make sure all the fans will be really proud of us after the game.
"It's a difficult moment. It's a new challenge for us because we've never been in this situation. We're always used to playing to win the Premier League, to win games to win the Champions League.
"It's been a difficult season for everyone because we're not used to losing games. We always win.
“It's a tough moment and you have to show your character and personality. When you come out on the pitch and put on the United shirt, you know it's big story, a big pressure every year.
"This year is more difficult than a year ago, but I'm still confident. I think everyone wants to fight for this club. Everyone loves this club."
Klopp: We have already reached our Champions League target
By Peter McVitie
Mar 18, 2014 6:32:00 PM
The Dortmund coach has confirmed that Marco Reus will miss the second-leg against Zenit and insists his team won't defend for 90 minutes in order to protect their aggregate lead
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says anything his side do from now in the Champions Leagueis a bonus because they have already reached their goal in the tournament.
Last season’s Champions League runners-up look set to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament as they head into the second leg of their clash with Zenit Saint Petersburg at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday with a 4-2 lead.
But Klopp says his side have already reached their target for the competition this year having made it beyond the group stage and insists his team won’t set out to defend against their Russian opponents.
“We have reached our goal in the Champions League by getting out of the group,” Klopp told reporters.
“Everything coming now is a bonus.
“We now have some experience in Champions League knock-out games. We will not go all out on the attack, but we will not only defend.
“We noticed there are many Dortmund fans in St Petersburg. That surprised us, as they spoke Russian. It was also nice.”
The coach added that Marco Reus will not feature on Wednesday’s match as he is still out with a muscle strain.
Klopp continued: “Unfortunately, Reus could not participate in team training and will not be available on Wednesday."
Meanwhile, Dortmund defender Mats Hummels says his side must be wary of Zenit's talent going forward.
The stopper said: “We have to be vigilant as they have enormous quality, especially in attack. The first leg put us in a good position.”
David Moyes has received the sympathy of the man who is hoping to pile more pressure on the Manchester United manager on Wednesday.
Olympiakos' Spanish manager Michel (R) addresses a press conference with Greek defender Avraam
Moyes' critics came out in force three weeks ago when his United team lost 2-0 to Olympiacos in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The pressure on the Scot will no doubt intensify if his team put on another poor showing in the return leg, especially as the match comes three days after a dismal home defeat to Liverpool.
But the man who will be in the opposing dugout at Old Trafford, Michel, appears something of a reluctant potential assassin.
"David Moyes is suffering and I don't like to see any manager suffering. I have sympathy for him," the Olympiacos manager said.
"We know he works hard, but sometimes results don't mirror the hard work done.
"It's nothing personal to David Moyes. It's a big opportunity to knock Manchester United out of the competition, but David Moyes is not an enemy."
Alejandro Dominguez and Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell scored against United in Athens, where the away side struggled to create any meaningful chances until Robin van Persie missed a good chance at the death.
Michel's team lost their unbeaten record in a derby against Panathinaikos soon after the United win and they lost again to PAOK Salonika the week after.
However, the Greeks bounced back with a 2-0 win over Panthrakikos on Saturday to clinch their 41st league title with five matches to spare.
Less than 24 hours later Michel was at Old Trafford to watch United lose 3-0 to bitter rivals Liverpool.
The former Real Madrid midfielder was impressed by the noise generated by the capacity crowd, but Michel is sure his players will not wilt under the pressure of playing in front of 75,000-plus fans.
"My players aren't scared of anything," said Michel, who guided Olympiacos through a group containing Paris St Germain, Anderlecht and Benfica.
"Maybe I am a bit more scared than them, but as they're playing, I can assure you they won't be scared of anything.
"We've played big clubs in big grounds."
Part of the reason behind Olympiacos' success at home and in Europe this season has been the form of evergreen striker Javier Saviola.
The 32-year-old has missed the club's last four matches with a thigh injury, but he has travelled to Manchester with the rest of the squad.
Michel would not reveal whether the club's top scorer would feature, though.
"Javier Saviola is doing fine, thank you very much," was all the Spaniard would say when quizzed about the Argentinian's fitness.
David Moyes vows to make Old Trafford "really proud" as Manchester United FC bid to overturn two-goal arrears against an Olympiacos FC side who will not sit on their lead.
Manchester United FC manager David Moyes was in defiant mood as he vowed to lift the gloom at Old Trafford ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against newly crowned Greek champions Olympiacos FC.
Trailing 2-0 from the Piraeus opener, United's confidence was dealt another blow on Sunday as they suffered a ninth Premier League defeat this term, succumbing 3-0 at home to Liverpool FC. Moyes nonetheless promised the English title holders would "rise again" and instil pride among their supporters, while visiting coach Míchel acknowledged his charges could not afford to simply protect their first-leg advantage.
Manchester United
David Moyes, manager
When you lose in the fashion we did and against one of our biggest rivals [Liverpool] there is always a lot of disappointment. We knew it was a big week, but as soon as [the Liverpool match] was over we concentrated on this game. We told the players on Monday morning that the only thing that matters now is this game and our focus is on that.
The players know they can play better. I don't think any of them are questioning that. But I've got belief in the players because I see what they can do and hopefully we can show it. We have not shown it as often as we would have liked but we will try to make that happen tomorrow.
It has not been the season we hoped we would have, but the most important thing now is to get the Olympiacos game played and hopefully get through. If we can it will be a massive lift for us. We know we have got ourselves in a poor position being 2-0 down, but we have a lot of belief.
The fans have seen great success here at Manchester United and they'll see great success in the future. I've no doubt about that. This club is too big. For me, it is the biggest club in the world. It might not be at this moment in time, and it might not feel it today, but I can tell you it is and it will rise again.
When you win, you win together and when you lose, you lose together. It has been a difficult season for everyone because we are not used to losing games. Everyone wants to fight for this club. I am not going to tell you we will qualify but I can promise you we will all fight and respect the shirt and make sure all the fans will be really proud of us after that game.
Weekend result
Sunday: Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool FC (Gerrard 34pen 46pen, Suárez 84)
De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Vidić, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini (Cleverley 76); Mata (Ferdinand 87), Rooney, Januzaj (Welbeck 76); Van Persie.
• Seventh-placed United suffered their fifth home Premier League defeat of the campaign on Sunday. They are 26 points worse off this term than they were at the same stage last season.
Team news
Jonny Evans (calf) has not played since 1 February. Chris Smalling (hamstring), Javier Hernández (knee) and Nani (hamstring) are also on the sidelines.
Olympiacos
Míchel, coach
My players aren't scared of anything. Maybe the manager is a bit more scared, but they're not. We know the situation at Manchester United but this has nothing to do with us. All we can do is play our game. We cannot rely on their difficulties.
We would like the game to go the same way as it did in the first leg but we know this will be a different Manchester United. There will definitely be more determination and urgency from them. All we want is a good performance. We definitely need one goal. We cannot just sit back and protect our two-goal lead.
I don't like seeing any manager suffer and David Moyes, at the moment, is suffering. But Manchester United are a big club and I know that results will come good soon.
The work of a football team shows on the pitch. There are no secrets, no surprises when it comes to this game. All I know is that we played well in the first leg and deserved to win, but this will be a different game and we will need a good performance and a good result to show our worth.
The atmosphere is always fantastic at Old Trafford, it always lifts the team. It is always a pleasant experience to come here. We have played big clubs in big grounds all over Europe and we are not going to change our style. We are going to try to stick to what we do and, even though we won 2-0 in the first leg, we are not going to change anything. As far as I am concerned the whole tie starts here.
• Olympiacos finally clinched their 41st Greek title with five matches to spare after back-to-back Super League defeats had delayed the inevitable. David Fuster sealed the victory in the final minute, converting from the spot after a foul on Joel Campbell.
Team news
Javier Saviola (quadriceps) and Iván Marcano (calf) resumed normal training at the end of last week and have travelled to Manchester. Michael Olaitan (viral myocarditis) is ruled out, together with long-time absentee Dimitris Siovas (broken ankle). Leandro Salino, Kostas Manolas and Delvin N'Dinga were rested on Saturday.
Match fact
• United have won all their previous home games against Greek opponents while Olympiacos have lost on each of their 11 visits to England.
Though Borussia Dortmund hold a 4-2 lead over soon-to-be André Villas-Boas's FC Zenit side, Jürgen Klopp is determined his team treat the second leg like a "normal game".
Borussia Dortmund host FC Zenit in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie in "nothing more" than a "good position" following a 4-2 victory in Russia three weeks ago.
That is the view of Schwarzgelben coach Jürgen Klopp, who is not entertaining any thoughts that his side, runners-up last season, are all but through to the quarter-finals.
His opposite number, Sergei Semak, will take charge of Zenit for the second and last time before André Villas-Boas is formally presented as Luciano Spalletti's successor on Thursday. Conceding that the Russian team "do not have much chance" of progressing, Semak is first and foremost concerned with the visitors turning in a good performance in pursuit of just their second European win since the start of the group stage.
Dortmund
Jürgen Klopp, coach
Ideally, we will play this like the second half of a normal game. We have been able to accumulate a bit of experience in the Champions League knockout stage.
We put ourselves in a good position for the return leg [with our display in St Petersburg] – nothing more, nothing less. We will not risk a lot, but just going out to defend our lead would be a bit stupid as well, so we will make it a normal game.
We have reached our goals in the Champions League by getting out of the group stage. Everything that happens from now on is a bonus for the club and there would not be a gaping hole in our budget should we go out.
That is different in the Bundesliga. There our goal is clearly to qualify for the Champions League again. We are on our way to doing so. Some observers may think differently, but we are well on track. You have to get the maximum out of any competition you are in and treat them differently.
• Second-placed Dortmund suffered their fourth Bundesliga home loss of the season. The visitors played the last 21 minutes with ten men.
Team news
Sven Bender sustained a groin injury on 22 February and could be out for ten weeks. Marco Reus, who has missed the last two games with a muscular problem, is "feeling well" but will not be in the squad. "He could run today, he has no pain, but he could not participate in full team training," said Klopp.
Zenit
Sergei Semak, interim coach
We all love football. Anything is possible in football. Of course, we do not have much chance. Tomorrow we are up against one of the best sides in Europe, even the world. It will be important for us to put in a good performance.
BVB have a very strong side and I don't think I have to explain how they go about their football. They are very strong when it comes to attack. For us, it is a new experience to play here and we will surely learn a lot of new things. It is not easy playing against such a team.
We have not had a lot of time to change things. The most important task for me was to bring the team together, to instil a team spirit. We have many great players but I wanted to improve their team spirit, their sense of togetherness. We have real professionals. I want to improve their team spirit and for them to present themselves in the best possible light.
The situation is not easy for me. The result only interests me if it is good enough for a win and to see us through. It is much more important for us to present ourselves in the best possible light, that the team sticks together and we are not feeling sorry for anything afterwards. Only then will we have a chance to turn this [situation] around.
Weekend result
Saturday: PFC CSKA Moskva 1-0 Zenit (Milanov 32)
Lodygin; Hubočan, Anyukov, Smolnikov, Lombaerts; Witsel, Ryazantsev (Zyryanov 82), Fayzulin (Shatov 46), Danny (Kerzhakov 46); Rondón, Hulk.
• Caretaker coach Semak made his managerial bow but was unable to inspire a victory, meaning second-ranked Zenit have just one point in two games since the Premier-Liga resumed.
Team news
Cristian Ansaldi (muscle) and Andrey Arshavin (hamstring) have stayed in Russia. Third-choice goalkeeper Egor Baburin is ruled out by a knee ligament problem.
Match fact
• Zenit have lost all three ties in which they succumbed at home in the first leg, all in the UEFA Cup: against 1. FC Dynamo Dresden in the 1981/82 first round (1-2 home, 1-4 away), VfB Stuttgart in the 1989/90 second round (0-1 home, 0-5 away) and Bologna FC in the 1999/2000 first round (0-3 home, 2-2 away).
Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Zenit (agg 5-4): Hulk stunner not enough to halt Klopp's men
The Brazilian scored a screamer early on but Sebastian Kehl's goal was enough to seal an aggregate win for the Germans despite Rondon's winner on the night
By Mark Doyle
Borussia Dortmund booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Zenit on Wednesday.
The Russians grabbed the lead through a stunning strike from Hulk early in the first half before Sebastian Kehl equalised before the break.
Rondon restored the visitors' advantage in the second period but Jurgen Klopp's side were able to hold on to a 5-4 aggregate advantage to mark their 200th match in Europe's premier club competition with progression to the last eight.
Sergey Semak, taking charge of his final Zenit match before Andre Villas-Boas is officially installed as coach on Thursday, at least saw his reign close with a victory at Signal Iduna Park, although his side failed to turn around their first-leg deficit.
After five minutes of the first leg, Dortmund were two goals to the good thanks to efforts from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost got the hosts off to another flying start in Dortmund as he headed Marcel Schmelzer's cross wide.
Axel Witsel had the game's first effort on target shortly afterwards as the Belgian tested Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller with a long-range drive.
Malafeev was then forced into a relatively routine save from Robert Lewandowski before Hulk produced a stunning effort to open the scoring.
Having cut in from the right, the Brazilian hit a wonderful, swerving left-footed strike that gave Weidenfeller no chance.
As the Germans responded, Kevin Grosskreutz saw his effort well saved by Malafeev before Sokratis Papastathopoulos headed over from a corner, but for all their possession and forward momentum Dortmund struggled to break down Zenit's resolute back line.
That was the case until Kehl rose highest to head past Malafeev - breaking his Champions League duck in the process at the 30th attempt.
Hulk threatened a repeat of his first-half effort shortly after the break when he sent a free-kick over the crossbar before Viktor Fayzulin's shot drifted wide of Weidenfeller's post.
Rondon's winner may have spoiled the evening for Dortmund somewhat - the Venezuelan arriving to meet a cross from the left - but it changed little as Jurgen Klopp's men followed Bundesliga rivals and European champions Bayern Munich into the last eight.
Manchester United 3-0 Olympiakos (Agg 3-2): Van Persie hat-trick seals dramatic comeback
The Dutchman was the star of the show to ease the pressure on under-fire manager David Moyes as the Red Devils fought back from a two-goal first-leg deficit to go through
By Jack Davies
Robin van Persie salvaged Manchester United's Champions League dream as his hat-trick beat Olympiakos 3-0 and booked a last-eight spot.
The hosts had trailed 2-0 heading into the second leg, with manager David Moyes under huge pressure to produce a result, but the Scot avoided a Greek tragedy with the help of his prolific Dutch frontman.
Manchester United's season lives on. On a night when failure simply was not an option for David Moyes and his side, the Premier League champions did enough, just, to secure their passage into the last eight of Europe's premier competition.
Penalties have become a familiar sight at Old Trafford in recent days - United conceded three in the weekend Premier League mauling by Liverpool - and Van Persie put the hosts ahead from 12 yards when one went their way in the 25th minute after a foul by Jose Holebas.
The Netherlands striker doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time to level the tie on aggregate, before curling home a free-kick seven minutes into the second period to seal the win and a famous comeback.
The result takes United into the last eight for the first time since 2011, while Olympiacos have now lost on all 12 of their visits to England, conceding an average of three goals.
Moyes made four changes from Sunday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at home to fierce rivals Liverpool, bringing Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs into an experienced starting XI, and it was United who did the early pressing.
Wayne Rooney was first to challenge visiting goalkeeper Roberto, with the Spanish shot-stopper electing to extravagantly punch clear from a free-kick, but United's Herculean task almost became even greater 15 minutes in, when Hernan Perez scooped the ball over after good work by Joel Campbell to set up the opportunity.
Rooney went agonisingly close to making the visitors pay for that miss as he headed against the left-hand post from Giggs' cross, with replays suggesting that Roberto may have got the slightest of fingertips to the ball.
But United broke the deadlock from the spot after 25 minutes - Van Persie powering home after he had been recklessly bundled to the ground from behind by Holebas.
Patrice Evra had Roberto diving at full stretch 10 minutes before the break, forcing the Spaniard into an impressive stop with a headed effort from Van Persie's corner.
David De Gea then made a crucial double save at the other end, first denying David Fuster's header and then recovering well to keep out Alejandro Dominguez's effort from close range.
And United were level in the tie in first-half stoppage time when Van Persie tapped home through the legs of Roberto after a cross from Rooney.
The Dutchman was single-handedly rescuing their hopes, and he completed his treble in the 52nd minute by curling a 20-yard free-kick around the Olympiacos wall and beyond a statuesque Roberto to give the home fans belief and lift a considerable weight off Moyes' shoulders.
However, he almost had the ball in the back of his own net shortly afterwards when Dominguez's free-kick deflected narrowly wide off his head.
The delicate nature of the scoreline was emphasised when Fuster's rifled effort straight at De Gea in the 67th minute had many a Mancunian heart in their mouth, with Olympiacos still only a single away goal from victory.
But United weathered a late storm to cling on to an important victory, although the sight of Van Persie leaving the field on stretcher late on will be of some concern.
Moyes refuses to get carried away by one bright moment
By Mike Collett
MANCHESTER, England Wed Mar 19, 2014 11:33pm GMT
(Reuters) - Manchester United kept their season alive by reaching the Champions League quarter-finals with a memorable victory over Olympiakos Piraeus on Wednesday, but under-pressure manager David Moyes was not getting too carried away.
United have endured a miserable first season under the Scot who was hand-picked by his predecessor Alex Ferguson to succeed him when he retired after 26 years in charge at Old Trafford.
Wednesday's 3-0 victory over the Greek champions, which gave United a 3-2 aggregate success and a place in the last eight, was in marked contrast to their dismal display when they lost 3-0 at home to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
"What I am not going to say is that this result is the start of a change in our fortunes, though I hope it is," Moyes told a news conference.
"There have been a few false starts already this season and while this is a really good result and a really important win I cannot say that everything will change now.
"I have a big job to do here, a lot of changes and it will take time."
The Liverpool result left United in seventh place in the table, 18 points behind leaders Chelsea and 12 adrift of Manchester City who occupy the fourth Champions League spot.
Unless they win the Champions League, their only realistic chance of European competition next season is in the second-tier Europa League.
Wednesday's win kept them in with a chance of lifting the European Cup for the fourth time, but it appears to be a slim one with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea looking far more likely winners on current form.
Moyes was keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
"We might not be favourites to win the Champions League this season but if we go into the quarter-finals as underdogs that's fine by me," he said.
"With this squad this club can be more than a match for anyone."
The one thing that is sure is that if United had gone out to Olympiakos the pressure on Moyes would have been even greater than it has been over the last few months.
They have suffered a series of ignominious home defeats and the performance against Liverpool was probably their worst of the season.
It might not have been a vintage display against Olympiakos but it was the first time in 30 years they have overcome a two-goal first-leg deficit to win a European tie.
Striker Robin van Persie, who has often looked listless this season, showed just why United paid Arsenal 24 million pounds ($40 million) for him two years ago with a coolly taken hat-trick.
United return to league action on Saturday when they visit one of their least popular grounds in West Ham's Upton Park.
A good result there and victory over neighbours Manchester City next Tuesday and perhaps Moyes might start to believe that the season really is beginning to turn around.
The Spanish midfielder feels his compatriot played a key role in Manchester United's progress and was disappointed with his side's exit
David Fuster believes Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea's heroics in Wednesday's match at Old Trafford eventually cost Olympiakos a ticket for the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Greek side defended a two-goal lead from the first leg, but eventually crashed out of the competition as a Robin van Persie hat-trick meant United won the return 3-0.
Nevertheless, the Olympakos midfielder felt De Gea was the one who really made the difference as the Spanish shot stopper made a number of world-class saves.
"We had a really good chance, first my header which De Gea saved very well, and then the rebound fell to [Chori] Dominguez and he saved that too," Fuster told the official Uefa website.
"But goalkeepers have a job to do too and he did his very well."
Fuster then went on to stress that he felt proud of Olympiakos' performances in the Champions League, but was unable to hide his disappointment with their elimination at the hands of United.
"Of course, there's a bit of pride – we've had a good campaign and come through a group which was not easy. United are a historic club full of good players and we were close to beating them.
"The team are really disappointed. We had high hopes of going through to the next round, but it wasn't to be. Football is like that – they were able to get three goals and we didn't get any."
The draw for the quarter-finals is scheduled to take place in Nyon on Friday.
Olympiakos boss Michel rues missed chances in Manchester United defeat
By Rupert Fryer
Mar 19, 2014 10:49:00 PM
A Robin van Persie hat-trick saw the hosts record an emphatic turnaround in the tie, but the Greek champions' coach believes his side should have scored at Old Trafford
Olympiakos coach Michel was left to rue his side's missed chances as the Greek champions crashed out of the Champions League round of 16 to Manchester United on Wednesday.
Olympiakos arrived at Old Trafford with a two-goal lead from the first leg but were sunk by a Robin Van Persie hat-trick as United roared back to win 3-0 and book their place in the quarter-finals.
But Michel believes it could have been a different story had his side converted their opportunities, with David De Gea forced into a handful of fine saves for the home side.
"We had our chances but failed to convert them," he told Uefa.com.
"And teams who do not make the most of their scoring opportunities at this level, end up paying for it.
"I would like to congratulate my players on their effort. Looking at the result, one might think that it was a one-way match – but that was not the case.
"Football is played in both areas and today we committed errors at both ends."
