Olympiacos begin their Champions League campaign against Lazio looking to banish the memories of last season - but face a struggle before a ball is even kicked because a supporter ban means the Group C clash will be played behind closed doors.
Having failed to progress from the group stage for the 10th time in 11 terms last time around, the Greek champions welcome Delio Rossi's Lazio team to what will be an empty Georgios Karaiskakis stadium after UEFA imposed a one-match ban following crowd disturbances in their last group-stage match of last season against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Veteran captain Predrag Djordjevic admitted that the lack of supporters is a disappointment for Olympiacos but the former Serbia midfielder believes a calmness within the squad will help the team make a positive start to the campaign.
"It is not the best situation for us to play in front of empty seats," said Djordjevic. "We hope that this is the last time that such a thing happens.
"The absence of our fans has two aspects. On one hand we will be missing the impulse and impetus that often gives us our strength, but on the other side, the platform for the pressure we sometimes feel will disappear."
Fans or no fans, Djordjevic has called for cool heads among his team-mates to ensure the club avoids another disastrous start.
"We will try to enjoy the competition this season and be happy about playing Lazio," said Djordjevic.
"Each year we begin the season with enough pressure. This year though, we begin with a lot more calm. It is a new challenge and there is no heavy pressure."
Djordjevic has recovered from a thigh injury and should take his place in a five-man midfield on Tuesday with former Newcastle and Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua set to lead the attacking line as a lone figure.
Rossi's men head to Athens with history on their side having never lost a match on Greek soil. They have chalked up a win and two draws away from home, their most recent outing being in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup when they drew 2-2 with Egaleo.
Lazio, who finished third in Serie A last season, are unbeaten after three matches this term but have not started as sharply as they would have liked after registering three draws and only two goals.
But Rossi is confident his team will come good when it matters.
"After three games it is far too early to judge how good our form is," said Rossi when quizzed at the pre-match press call about his team's start to the season.
"We are on a good road at the moment and we know that if we play how we know we can play then we will do well in all competitions, including the Champions League.
"We have to be disciplined against Olympiacos," continued Rossi. "We have not just come here for the result, we are ready for the challenge."
Rossi will have late a fitness check on midfielder Massimo Mutarelli who is struggling with a leg injury but hopes are high he will be ready to take his place in the starting line-up.
Real Madrid and Werder Bremen - who will do battle at the Bernabeu on Tuesday - make up the rest of the group.
Veteran captain Predrag Djordjevic admitted that the lack of supporters is a disappointment for Olympiacos but the former Serbia midfielder believes a calmness within the squad will help the team make a positive start to the campaign.
"It is not the best situation for us to play in front of empty seats," said Djordjevic. "We hope that this is the last time that such a thing happens.
"The absence of our fans has two aspects. On one hand we will be missing the impulse and impetus that often gives us our strength, but on the other side, the platform for the pressure we sometimes feel will disappear."
Fans or no fans, Djordjevic has called for cool heads among his team-mates to ensure the club avoids another disastrous start.
"We will try to enjoy the competition this season and be happy about playing Lazio," said Djordjevic.
"Each year we begin the season with enough pressure. This year though, we begin with a lot more calm. It is a new challenge and there is no heavy pressure."
Djordjevic has recovered from a thigh injury and should take his place in a five-man midfield on Tuesday with former Newcastle and Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua set to lead the attacking line as a lone figure.
Rossi's men head to Athens with history on their side having never lost a match on Greek soil. They have chalked up a win and two draws away from home, their most recent outing being in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup when they drew 2-2 with Egaleo.
Lazio, who finished third in Serie A last season, are unbeaten after three matches this term but have not started as sharply as they would have liked after registering three draws and only two goals.
But Rossi is confident his team will come good when it matters.
"After three games it is far too early to judge how good our form is," said Rossi when quizzed at the pre-match press call about his team's start to the season.
"We are on a good road at the moment and we know that if we play how we know we can play then we will do well in all competitions, including the Champions League.
"We have to be disciplined against Olympiacos," continued Rossi. "We have not just come here for the result, we are ready for the challenge."
Rossi will have late a fitness check on midfielder Massimo Mutarelli who is struggling with a leg injury but hopes are high he will be ready to take his place in the starting line-up.
Real Madrid and Werder Bremen - who will do battle at the Bernabeu on Tuesday - make up the rest of the group.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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