Two days to NEC, first leg at Karaiskakis
Monday night. Champions League third qualifying round. Your team face NEC Nijmegen at Karaiskakis, first leg, kickoff on 4 August (3) (5) (8). Spanish referee José María Sánchez has the whistle (3). Olympiacos currently sit 29th in the UEFA club rankings with 57.250 points, and a run through qualifying would push the club toward the Top 25, the threshold where direct Champions League group-stage entry becomes possible (5).
Ortega wants out, pushing for River Plate
Francisco Ortega informed club directors on Saturday that he wants to leave Olympiacos and be sold to River Plate (2). Fer Padrón reported the Argentine left-back is making a major effort to force the move, with negotiations in progress and possibly concluding in the coming hours (2).
NEC's Sandler a doubt after Sevilla substitution
NEC defender Philippe Sandler was forced off during a 2–1 defeat to Sevilla and is now a concern for Monday (8). Manager Dick Schreuder stayed cautious afterward: "Hopefully we caught it in time" (8).
Tadic talking big before Karaiskakis
Dusan Tadic has not hidden his confidence. The NEC forward told Dutch media he believes his side can "take the Champions League" ahead of the first leg (7). He knows the Greek game well, nothing new for your defence.
Direct League Phase path still on the table
One scenario could send Olympiacos straight into the Champions League League Phase without navigating the full qualifying route (4). It depends on results elsewhere and the club's coefficient, but the door is not closed yet.
