With no time to celebrate, Olympiacos moves on from its 2-0 victory over Panetolikos in Agrinio, as attention now turns to Thursday’s match against Sparta Prague at “G. Karaiskakis” Stadium for Matchday 3 of the Europa League League Phase. The “Red-and-Whites” have returned to Athens, and the schedule initially includes recovery time before preparations for yet another important European match begin in earnest.
The biggest question mark surrounds Kostas Fortounis, who felt a pull in Agrinio and asked to be substituted in the 38th minute, so as not to put further strain on his leg. Initial indications suggest he avoided a strain, but he will undergo further tests, and his availability for the match against Sparta is considered unlikely. The match against Panetolikos was also his 352nd appearance in an Olympiacos jersey, a milestone that saw him surpass Nikos Anastopoulos and move up to fifth place on the club’s all-time appearances list.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Olympiacos: Fortounis surpasses anastopoulos
Imanol Alguacil is expected to make changes again, having already managed the roster in Agrinio. Marius is ineligible to play in Europe, a fact that brings Roman Yaremchuk back into the spotlight as the top striker, while Chikino, Zota, Ese, and Saliakas are among the candidates for the starting lineup. The situation regarding Bailey also remains up in the air, with the coaching staff waiting to see how the upcoming training sessions go before finalizing their selections.
Sparta Prague, for its part, arrives in Athens following a 0-0 draw at Baník Ostrava. The Czechs did not perform well; struggled to impose their rhythm, and were put in danger on several occasions, while a first-half goal by the home team was ruled offside following a VAR review. For Olympiacos, however, the priority is to quickly put the league behind them and show up fresh and ready for a European night of particular importance in terms of the standings.
*photo source: KYPE
