The game got off to a quick pace with Olympiacos the more dominant of the two sides early. With menacing balls cutting the Nordsjælland box, a final touch was hard to come by and kept both sides level. Knowing this was there game to leave their mark, Nordsjælland began to attack in waves. With a maze of defenders guarding the Olympiacos goal, it was hard for the home side to find a weakness and exploit it. Settling to shoot from beyond the perimeter, Nordsjælland began to attempt shots from distance. With shots coming from all angles imaginable, Olympiakos looked to block each attempt. When bodies were unable to keep the ball away from the goal, the Nordsjælland efforts sailed either high or rolled wide. Despite the poor accuracy, one shot from Nordsjælland managed to be tricky as the ball whizzed past the defense but caught Antonis Nikopolidis’ right post.

A livelier second half was in store for the crowd at Farum Park, as the home side continued to challenge Olympiacos. However, a rise in action did not mean good fortune for the hosts. After a Nikopolidis error which saw the ball fall to a Nordsjælland attacker, the under pressure striker wasn’t able to direct the shot goal wards; instead his effort trickled wide.

With fortune on their side on the defensive end, Olympiacos searched for the same fortunes on the offensive front. With Vassilis Torosidis and Leonardo pushing forward and causing distractions along the flanks, the Greek Champions began to pin Nordsjælland in their own end. With pressure increasing on the home side, the breakthrough finally came on seventy-four minutes. A poor cross from Vassilis Torosidis handcuffed the defender, whose horrid clearance fell to Kostas Mitroglou and the Greece U-21 international controlled the bouncing ball before half-volleying a finish past Jesper Hansen.

It seemed all the hard work put in by Nordsjælland in the first half was all gone, as Olympiacos grabbed a crucial away goal. However, Nordsjælland’s misery wasn’t over as another series of defensive errors left Sebastian Leto all to his lonesome to tap in Olympiacos’ second goal and an insurance marker heading back to Greece.

Olympiacos did not impress on this night, and with a tough string of games on the horizon for Olympiacos, the team will have to return to the chemistry they fashioned last season. The Greek Champions will shift their focus to the Greek Super League as fixtures against Panserraikos and OFI Crete FC are ahead of the October 2nd replay against FC Nordsjælland.

With a deflating series of two goals, Nordsjælland will find the environment a challenge when the Danish side makes the trip to Piraeus. The Danish side will look to improve their domestic record as well, before making the trip to Greece.

Nordsjælland 0-2 Olympiacos
Mitroglou 74’, Leto 90 + 3’

Yellow Cards:
Nordsjælland – Karlsen 63’
Olympiacos – Belluschi 45 + 1’, Stoltidis 63’, Antzas 69’, Stoltidis 90’ (second)

Red Cards:
FC Nordsjælland – none.
Olympiacos – Stoltidis 90’ (sent off after double booking).

FC Nordsjælland (Morten Wieghorst): Hansen, Kidebe, Kildentoft, Lundberg, Karlsen, Bernier, Bernburg, Nakijima-Farran (64’ Christensen), S. Richter, Dahl (76’ Pedersen), J. Richter (Storm).

Olympiacos (Ernesto Valverde): Nikopolidis, Torosidis, A.Papadopoulos, Antzas, Domi, Stoltidis, Patsatzoglou, Galletti (61’ Diogo), Leonardo, Belluschi (85’ Dudu), Mitroglou (81’ Leto).

Venue: Farum Park, Farum, Denmark

Referee: Stefan Messner (Austria)

In a pregame  interview, Olympiacos manager, Ernesto Valverde, stressed his side must learn  the lessons provided from the shock defeat to Anorthosis Famagusta.

“It’s true  that we have problems when we go into matches. In the first half we’re not  getting the performances we want,” he said.

“It’s something that we know  we have to correct. But the fact is, we always do well in the second  half.

“That’s what happened with Anorthosis Famagusta, Asteras Tripolis  and Skoda Xanthi.

“However, we have to transfer that to the first half.  There is no doubt that we need to learn from our match with Anorthosis, where we  went down 2-0 after twenty minutes.”

The Greek  Champions won’t have all their regulars ready for this match, with Predrag  Djordjevic still recovering from an injury. Luciano Galletti managed to battle  through his injury problems ahead of the weekend fixture against Skoda Xanthi,  and will be heavily relied on to fuel Olympiacos’ attack this evening.

The Greek Champions were paired with a relatively mysterious opponent in FC Nordsjælland. The encounter will be two-legged tie and if Olympiacos do progress from the knockout round, the club will join fellow tie winners in Group 8.

Group 8:
SC Braga (POR) v FC Artmedia Petržalka (SVK)
Feyenoord (NED) v Kalmar FF (SWE)
Hamburger SV (GER) v AFC Unirea Urziceni (ROU)
Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v AS Saint-Etienne (FRA)
FC Nordsjælland (DEN) v Olympiacos CFP (GRE)

A relatively tough draw for the Greek Champions, despite the fortunate first knock out tie the club faces a possible stiff test if the club progresses. With that being said, Olympiacos are in for a bit of research ahead of their meeting with Nordsjælland. The two have never met in European competition, but after their Champions League exit, you can guarantee Olympiacos won’t be taking their mysterious opponents lightly.

The first leg of matches is scheduled for 18/9, and the return will come a fortnight later on 2/10. Olympiacos opens its UEFA Cup campaign in Denmark in mid-September, ahead of their return to Greece two weeks later.

Group 1:
AC Milan (ITA) v FC Zürich (SUI)
FC Timişoara (ROU) v FK Partizan (SRB)
Hertha BSC Berlin (GER) v Saint Patrick’s Athletic FC (IRL)
FC Baník Ostrava (CZE) v FC Spartak Moskva (RUS)
FC Metalist Kharkiv (UKR) v Beşiktaş JK (TUR)

Group 2:
Portsmouth FC (ENG) v Vitória SC (POR)
Kayserispor (TUR) v Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA)
Sevilla FC (ESP) v FC Salzburg (AUT)
VfL Wolfsburg (GER) v FC Rapid Bucureşti (ROU)
UC Sampdoria (ITA) v FBK Kaunas (LTU)

Group 3:
CS Marítimo (POR) v Valencia CF (ESP)
NK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v AC Sparta Praha (CZE)
Manchester City FC (ENG) v AC Omonia (CYP)
BSC Young Boys (SUI) v Club Brugge KV (BEL)
AS Nancy-Lorraine (FRA) v Motherwell FC (SCO)

Group 4:
Everton FC (ENG) v R. Standard de Liège (BEL)
SSC Napoli (ITA) v SL Benfica (POR)
AC Bellinzona (SUI) v Galatasaray AŞ (TUR)
NEC Nijmegen (NED) v FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti (ROU)
Real Racing Club Santander (ESP) v FC Honka Espoo (FIN)

Group 5:
APOEL FC (CYP) v FC Schalke 04 (GER)
PFC Litex Lovech (BUL) v Aston Villa FC (ENG)
FK Austria Wien (AUT) v KKS Lech Poznań (POL)
Vitória FC (POR) v SC Heerenveen (NED)
SK Brann (NOR) v RC Deportivo La Coruña (ESP)

Group 6:
SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v SC Vaslui (ROU)
NK Slaven Koprivnica (CRO) v PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
Brøndby IF (DEN) v Rosenborg BK (NOR)
PFC Cherno More Varna (BUL) v VfB Stuttgart (GER)
Stade Rennais FC (FRA) v FC Twente (NED)

Group 7:
AFC Ajax (NED) v FK Borac (SRB)
Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG) v Wisla Kraków (POL)
FC København (DEN) v FC Moskva (RUS)
MŠK Žilina (SVK) v PFC Levski Sofia (BUL)
BV Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Udinese Calcio (ITA)

Omonia surged ahead on eleven minutes thanks to a defensive error from Angelos Basinas, and a classy finish from Klodian Duro shocked the visitors. It was nearly 2-0 when Duro’s free-kick smashed against the crossbar. Despite being rattled, AEK held its composure and were rewarded when Basinas’ free-kick was met by the head of Ismael Blanco, and the club’s leading scorer from last year, pulled AEK level and only behind by one on aggregate.

There was more misery in store for AEK shortly after the restart; Ignacio Scocco was called for a dive, and the club’s summer signing was sent off on his second booking of the night. Managing to hold their own, AEK continued to challenge for a second goal, despite being a man short. The advantage showed twenty minutes before time. Duro latched on to a pass from Ioannis Okkas, and the man of the match added his second goal of the game. Michalis Pavlis pulled one back for AEK two minutes before time, but a further sending off – this time a straight red for Juanfran – surely ended AEK’s UEFA Cup.

The final whistle only confirmed the result, a historic one for the home side who joins rivals APOEL FC as Cypriot representatives in the next round. As for AEK, they join Aris FC as the two sides head for an early European exit.

AC Omonia 2-2 AEK Athens FC

AEK Athens FC (Georgios Donis): Saja, Ramos, Kyrgiakos, Majstorovic, Juanfran, Basinas, Rikka (75′ Zorbas), Kafes (75′ Lagos), Edinho (79′ Pavlis), Blanco, Scocco.

The result is a poor one for Aris, especially after qualifying for the group stages of the competition last year. Added to the fact Greece’s clubs are struggling in the early stages of the European season, the loss doesn’t do well for the country’s coefficient ranking. Prospering with the few wins thus far, Greece’s coefficient ranking will surely plummet until there is a change in Greece’s fortunes.

NK Slaven Koprivnica 2-0 Aris FC

Aris FC (Enrique Hernandez): Kelemen, Ronaldo Guiaro, Vangjeli (Neto), Toni Calvo (Javito), Garcia, Prittas (Sansone), Regueiro, Gentil, Koke.

It’s been a bad week for the ‘Enosi’. Amidst reports Demis Nikolaidis will be stepping down from his role as club president this coming May, club captain Rivaldo also announced his departure as well. Finding his way out much earlier than Nikolaidis, Rivaldo transferred to Uzbeki club Bunyodkor earlier this week.

Now the club switches to new era, much like their rivals Olympiacos did last year. They will be hoping Olympiacos will provide them with the lessons to overcome Omonia, but not because of Olympiacos’ success but their failures. Olympiacos were knocked out by Anorthosis, and now face a UEFA Cup run. However, if AEK are to fall to their own Cypriot opposition, there won’t be the parachute fall into another European competition.

With attack part of the main focus, it is suggested AEK will line-up in a 4-3-3 formation. Sebastián Saja gets the nod between the posts; his duty will be to preserve a clean sheet. In defense, Edson Ramos and Juanfran will man either sides of the AEK backline. In the center, Sotiris Kyrgiakos and Daniel Majstorović pair up as the central defenders. The midfield sees summer signing Angelos Basinas make his summer debut. The Greek international has won the race to fitness, and will play alongside Antonis Rikka (or Perparim Hetemaj) and Ignacio Scocco. Edinho has recovered from a painful tooth injury, and the 26-year old will feature alongside Ismael Blanco and Panagiotis Lagos (or Panagiotis Zorbas).

For Omonia, the capital club will look towards their Larnaca rivals for inspiration; managing to reach the Champions League group stages, the achievement has sent Anorthosis supporters – if not all of Cyprus – into a state of pandemonium. Despite holding the edge ahead of the return in Nicosia, Omonia will have to keep their composure.

It is expected that the Cypriot club will line-up with a familiar look, but most likely sporting a defensive look. Despite the ingredients on hand for an Omonia win, the Cypriot club will be very much aware of the threat AEK possesses.

In what was supposed to a night of redemption for the hosts, began rather nerve-racking for the side down by three after one leg. Desperate for a swing in momentum, Olympiacos found it difficult to break through the Anorthosis backline. With the visitors controlling the tempo in the opening minutes, Olympiacos saw the pressure grow as a ruckus crowd began to rally their beloved club. Responding to the atmosphere, Olympiacos began to create chances but the efforts seemed to be missing the convincing flare.

Opting to attack down the flanks, Luciano Galletti and Sebastian Leto became conductors of the Olympiacos insurgence. Weaving their way through the maze of Anorthosis defenders, the two Argentines managed to send several balls across the Anorthosis box; sadly a red-and-white shirt wasn’t around to slot the ball home.

Darko Kovačević finally made his first impression when he turned the defender, but his ensuing shot sailed high over the bar. Anorthosis nearly ended any aspirations of an Olympiacos comeback when a header from Lukasz Sosin narrowly missed Antonis Nikopolidis’ goal.

Looking more promising after the restart, Olympiacos increased the tempo by testing Anorthosis keeper, Arian Beqaj, on several occasions. Ernesto Valverde introduced Kostas Mitroglou ahead of the second half, as Dudu made way for the Greek striker. After forcing a series of corners, Olympiacos dictated the ball in the center of the Anorthosis’ third, and a bouncing ball fell for Fernando Belluschi, who struck the ball with composure to give Olympiacos its first tally. It was nearly 2-0 for the hosts when Mitroglou was left free in the box; but he was unable to beat Beqaj.  Hoping for more of the same, Olympiacos continued to attack, mounting pressure on the Anorthosis defense – which at this point had grown to ten defenders plus Beqaj.

Galletti, the culprit on many occasions this evening, fired a shot from the perimeter of the Anorthosis box; but the strong shot was sent out for only a corner. Belluschi looked keen to extend the lead and double his tally when he drove a shot from distance straight for the right corner of the goal; it proved to be a flashback of previous Olympiacos attacks, as Beqaj leaped to deflect the shot out for another corner. Olympiacos came even closer off a free-kick from substitute Predrag Djordjević, and the shot fooled everyone as it curled just wide of the right post.

As the time continued to tick away on the large scoreboard, it became clear that Olympiacos were facing an early exit from the Champions League. Not settling for defeat, Ieroklis Stoltidis managed to release a shot from the left side, but once again Beqaj held his ground to force a corner.

That effort proved to be the final decent effort Olympiacos mustered, as Herbert Fandel’s final whistle only added to the ‘Eruthroleuki’ misery.

For the first time in eleven years, Olympiacos will not be competing in the Champions League group stage; instead Anorthosis will feature in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, as the Cypriot club is the first of its kind to reach the round of 32. Olympiacos, meanwhile, will await the result of Friday’s UEFA Cup draw.

Olympiacos 1-0 Anorthosis (1-3 on aggregate)
Belluschi 54′

Yellow Cards:
Olympiacos – Dudu 23′, Galletti 37′, Leto 45′, Leonardo 84′
Anorthosis – Bardon 17′, Dobrašinović 56′

Olympiacos (Ernesto Valverde): Nikopolidis, Torosidis, Antzas (69′ Patsatzoglou), A. Papadopoulos, Leonardo, Galletti, Stoltidis, Dudu (46′ Mitroglou), Leto (63′ Djordjević), Belluschi, Kovačević.

Anorthosis Famgusta (Timur Ketsbaia): Beqaj, Constantinou, Dellas, Katsavakis, Liewakabessy, Ockokoljic, Costa, Dobrašinović, Bardon (58′ Sávio), Laban, Sosin (82′ Samaras).

Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)

The match opened with several chances for both clubs as the pace of the game was constantly increasing. Despite the surges of attack, the final ball was lacking from both sides. Whether it was the cross or the shot, it was going to take something special to beat either keeper. With finishing being poor, both keepers ensured a clean sheet for their repective clubs at least for the first forty-five minutes.

The breakthrough in the match finally came shortly after the restart. A solitary strike from Sergio Koke, with some help from the Slaven defense, saw the Aris supporters burst out in celebration. It was a complete solo effort from the Spaniard as he won possession with an aerial effort, and with superior ball control he surged towards the goal on a break-away. His strike was deflected into the Slaven goal, off a fortunate deflection off of the sliding Slaven defender. The Aris captain for this evening, certainly delivered on this night.

With Greek pride on a low after Greece’s finest slipped against Cypriot opposition in their respective ties, Aris restored some of that pride with their formidable — but slim — win over Slaven. Aris will now travel to Koprivnica, Croatia in two weeks time with the 2nd Qualifying Round tie set to be decided in Croatia.

Aris FC 1-0 NK Slaven Koprivnica
Koke 55′

Yellow Cards:
Aris — Koke 55′, Nacho 87′
Slaven — Jajalo 9′, Lapić 77′

Aris FC (Enrique Hernandez): Kelemen, Lembo, Aurelio, Jahic, Vangjeli (52′ Włodarczyk), Calvo (52′ Javito), Nacho Garcia, Battion, Gentil (64′ Neto), Koke, Regueiro.

NK Slaven Koprivnica (Mile Petkovic): Rodic, Bosnjak, Rogulj, Poldrugac, Bilen (67′ Gregurina), Lapic, Caval, Posavec, Jajalo, Vrucina (78′ Sehic), Juric (78′ Kresinger).

Hit with a long list of injuries, new AEK manager Giorgos Donis has called up several replacements in his 18-man squad. Facing his first match at the AEK reigns, the experienced Donis will look for a favourable result tonight in Cyprus.

New signings Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Angelos Basinas will sit this one out, as well Edinho (toothache), Jurgen Macho, Gustavo Maduca , Geraldo Alves. New club captain Rivaldo will be the center of the AEK attack but the main finisher could be the club’s leading scorer from last year, Ismael Blanco. Ignacio Scocco, a new signing from Mexico, will pair up with Blanco but expect most of AEK’s attack to come down the flanks. The ever-inspirational Rivaldo will have to lead the AEK cause, but Pantelis Kafes and Panagiotis Lagos will also have work to do. Defensively, new signing Juanfran will provide cover as well as far down the flank. Nikos Georgeas, Daniel Majstorovic, and Edson Ramos will man the back line for an injury-riddled AEK. In goal, it seems Sebastian Saja and Giannis Armabatzis will battle to get the start, with Austrian international Jurgen Macho battling an injury ahead of the Super League season.

For the home side, the chance of grabbing the tie by its horns is there. With home advantage tonight in Nicosia, it will be up to Omonia to make the best of the opportunity ahead of the return in Athens. Taking inspiration from their Cypriot rivals Anorthosis, the club with a similar logo to Greek giants Panathinaikos could prove to be stiff test for the ‘Dikefale’.

In recent weeks, a feeling of national pride has hit the small Mediterranean island. With the European draws confirmed Greek clubs would be facing Cyprus’ best, Cypriot alike are hungry for European wins – especially over Greek opposition. It was reported that several nationalist groups attending tonight’s game would be chanting anti-Greek slogans, an event that seems unimaginable when you consider the long ties between mainland Greece and the divided island.

AEK Athens (Giorgos Donis): Saja, Arambatzis, Edson Ramos Silva, Georgeas, Juanfran, Majstorovic, Alexopoulos, Rikka, Hetemaj, Kafes, Rivaldo, Pliatsikas, Lagos, Burns, Scocco, Pavlis, Zorbas, Blanco.

Chemistry seems to be in place at Aris, and the club nickname ‘God of War’ will look to continue the great team against Slaven tonight. Aris Coach Enrique Hernandez named his 19-man squad earlier in the week, and Spaniard hopes for a good start in this his second stint with the Thessaloniki club. After reaching the group stages of the tournament last season, a thumping against Bayern Munich ended Aris’ chances of progressing further in the complex competition. Now, Aris looks to establish itself in Europe with Slaven being the first hurdle in the way.

Sergio Koke will be the main threat in attack, and the Spaniard has a knack of doing so. Since agreeing to join Aris in 2006, the 25-year-old has scored 20 times on 62 occasions in the Aris yellow. Possibly paired with Marcio Amoruso, the Aris attack could be potent throughout the match. Koke’s countrymen, Felipe Sanchon, Javito, and Toni Calvo will most likely man the midfield; but look for new summer signing Mario Regueiro to have some playing time. Defensively, the departure of Avraam Papadopoulos leaves gap in Aris’ back line, but the likes of the Brazilian trio consisting of Marco Aurelio, Ronaldo Guiaro and Neto will provide the necessary cover. In goal, it is unclear whether or not the Hernandez will stick to last year’s favourite Marian Kelemen, or choose new signing Michalis Sifakis instead.

Aris will look to attack from the start, but their defense will be cautious of the threat posed by their Croatian opponents. With away goals deciding many of the ties during this stage, Aris will be keen on not allowing Slaven hit the score sheet in Thessaloniki.

Aris FC (Enrique Hernandez): Kelemen, Sifakis, Vangjeli, Neto, Ronaldo Guiaro, Jahic, Lembo, Aurelio, Calvo, Javito, Prittas, Garcia, Battion, Regueiro, Felipe, Thiago, Koke, Włodarczyk, Delorte.