Preview: Real Madrid head to Greek champions Olympiacos in the Champions League
Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are under pressure to end a run of three games in all competitions without a win.
By Graham Ruthven
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Hired to carry Real Madrid into the modern age, Xabi Alonso is struggling to impose his own ideas and identity on a group of players that seems increasingly ill-suited to the new manager’s style of play.
Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Elche reflected everything Los Blancos have struggled to get a grip of this season. Indeed, Real Madrid were generally second-best and fortunate to salvage a point through Jude Bellingham’s late leveller.
Real Madrid struggled for control in and out of possession. They were wide open in defensive transition and failed to effectively press from the front. It was a long way from the Alonso-ball Bayer Leverkusen played.
Olympiacos will attempt to target some of these weaknesses although the Greek champions have struggled in the Champions League so far this season.
José Luis Mendilibar’s team have taken just two points from their opening four fixtures.
Key players
Ayoub El Kaabi will pose a threat for Olympiacos. The 32-year-old has netted 10 goals in 16 just appearances this season and will be a penalty box presence for the home team on Wednesday.
Former Wolves winger Daniel Podence is capable of influencing games at the highest level, although Fede Valverde could have that side of the pitch locked down for the Spanish champions.
Dani García is just one booking away from a suspension, but is still expected to face Real Madrid as someone whose experience could be key in the centre of the pitch.
Only Victor Osimhen has scored more goals in this season’s Champions League than Kylian Mbappé who will lead the line for Real Madrid. The Frenchman’s pace and directness means Olympiacos can’t afford to switch off at any moment.
Bellingham registered a goal and an assist against Elche, but is facing questions over his wider role in Alonso’s team. He is expected to start in a hybrid number 10-number eight position.
Arda Güler has been installed as Real Madrid’s primary pace-setter this season. The Turkish international is averaging 2.6 key passes per game and will see plenty of the ball on Wednesday.
Dean Huijsen found the back of the net in the 2-2 draw against Elche and is an important part of how Real Madrid play out from the back. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. The Spaniards hope he’ll be quiet in Greece.
Team news
Alexandros Paschalakis and Konstantinos Angelakis are both missing for Olympiacos through injury. Otherwise the Greek champions have a fully fit and available squad to choose from.
Alonso could make wholesale changes to a team that struggled for a point away to Elche on Sunday with Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga and Valverde all potentially in line for a start.
Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Franco Mastantuono and Aurélien Tchouaméni are all either sidelined or will face a late fitness test.
Prediction
Olympiacos don’t lose many at home – in fact, they haven’t lost at home in any competition since March 2024 – but we think Madrid’s superiority will win out, narrowly: Olympiacos 0-1 Real Madrid.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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