Champions League night at Karaiskakis
Your team steps into the 2026/27 season tonight. Olympiacos host Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in the Champions League third qualifying round, kickoff 21:00 at Karaiskakis (4). The winner takes a big step toward the playoff round. Mendilibar named a squad built for qualification: Ortega, Carmo, Retsos, Rodinei, Gelson Martins, Chiquinho, Fortounis, El Kaabi, and Jota are all in (2).
Mendilibar: "Estamos listos"
The manager kept it simple. "We are ready," Mendilibar told Marca ahead of his Champions League debut on the Olympiacos bench (3). He knows NEC are dangerous and warned his players not to underestimate them (7).
Schreuder walks out of press conference
The NEC camp had an odd moment Monday. Manager Dick Schreuder abruptly ended his pre-match press conference, stood up, and said: "Sorry, but I really have to go" (6) (8). No drama followed, just a bizarre exit before the biggest game of their season.
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Mendilibar on Tadic: "An honour to face him"
Schreuder was not the only one with kind words. Mendilibar singled out Dusan Tadic, NEC's veteran forward: "I saw Tadic shine on TV, it is an honour to play against him" (7). High praise ahead of a night where your defence will need to keep the Serbian quiet.
Titraoui joins Lens after Olympiacos links
One that got away. Yassine Titraoui, heavily linked with Olympiacos this summer, has signed for Lens (1). The midfielder was on your club's radar but the French side closed the deal.
Almyras picks Djurgården
Another name crossed off the list. Christos Almyras, the Asteras Tripolis talent rumored to be a target, chose Swedish side Djurgården instead (5). The winger said he is chasing titles there.
Squad named: who is in, who is out
Mendilibar's selection for tonight: Ortega and Tsobanidis are the goalkeepers. The backline includes Rodinei, Retsos, Carmo, Pirola, Bruno, Garcia, and Smajlovic. Midfield has Ese, Mouzakitis, Chiquinho, Fortounis, Roca, and Sá. Up front: El Kaabi, Jota, Taremi, Yaremchuk, Zota, and young Scipioni. Stournaras, Saliaikas, and Filis also made the cut (2). The squad signals intent.
