Olympiacos will have to increase their odds in the rematch against Atalanta

Olympiakos completed the first game against Atalanta in Europa League with possession 65%-35% (based on official UEFA data), the last effort 15-6, including 5-1 in goal, 13-0 corners and 572- 189 successful passes (87%-71%).

In the same period of the previous year, when Eindhoven in the Netherlands also lost 2-1, the situation was different. The Piraeus team had possession (46%-54%), twice as many shots as Bergamo (16-12), had two goalposts, two corners (8-2) and a higher percentage of successful passes (78%-82 %, 413-444).

The difference is obvious. Someone will say, of course, another Atalanta and another Eindhoven. But in the game against Arsenal in London, against a great opponent, in Olympiakos’ 1-0 win in the round of 16 of the Europa League, the following picture emerged: the red-whites had possession (44% -56%), the last attempts were 12-7, including 4-2 in goal, corner kicks 6-3 and successful passes 479-567 (84%-84%).

Also against Manchester City in England for the group stage of the Champions League, which is a significantly different size and level compared to Atalanta, Olympiacos’ image was significantly better. The Red-Whites were defeated 3-0, but possession was 54%-46%, final attempts 20-5 with 6-1 in goal, corners 7-2 and successful passes 703-518 (91%- 87%).

Also, in Olympiakos of Porto’s loss to Dragao (2-0), possession was 45%-55%, final 11-11, corners 4-9, offsides 0-4, and passing success 443-566 (80th minute). %-82%). And when they lost to Marseille in Marseille (2-1), possession was 54%-46%, attempts 13-8, corners 6-3, offsides 1-7 and successful passes 492-411 (83% – 78%).

The problem is Olympiacos’ performance compared to last year

In short, it’s about Olympiacos’ performance and image in relation to themselves last season. As good as Atalanta are, the question is how the red-whites will find a way to match last year’s standards in light of the rematch in Karaiskakis.

In any case, Olympiacos will increase their possession percentages, circulate more in the center and in attack and become more dangerous if they look to get lucky against the Italians next week.

The red-whites need to put energy and intensity into their game, they need to increase their speed, have more runs while also having the right management of Martins. The Piraeus team players have a difficult task ahead of them, but not impossible. Atalanta are very good in their away games, but a lot also depends on Olympiakos. And (non-)reactions should be avoided, such as in the static phases of the Bergamaski in the first game, which resulted in the Italian team’s two goals.

Gary Rodrεςguez runs to catch up

The Olympiacos players held a training session in Bergamo on Friday (19/2). The Red and Whites are now concentrating on the 24th game of the Super League Interwetten against Volos on Sunday (February 20, 5:15 p.m., COSMOTE SPORT 2HD, LIVE Sportish) in Panthessaliko.

As for the Olympiacos injury issues, Gary Rodrεςguez suffered Fractured a long adductor in the game with Ionikos and lost the games with AEK and Atalanta. However, the Cape Verde winger is very likely to catch them Rematch in Karaiskakis against the Italian team. If he succeeds, Pedro Martin’s quiver will be expanded with a “weapon”.