Vassilis Tsartas, the former Sevilla FC player, is sounding the alarm for Real Madrid ahead of their upcoming clash with Olympiakos. In a recent interview with AS, Tsartas expressed that the match in Greece could prove to be more challenging than many expect for the Merengues. He believes that Olympiakos will stand firm against the Spanish giants, cautioning fans not to underestimate the home side’s capabilities.
Recent performances have raised eyebrows regarding Real Madrid’s form, as they have failed to secure a victory in their last three matches. This streak of poor results has left the team searching for answers, and Tsartas suggests that this could play into Olympiakos’s hands. “The last match against Barcelona does not represent the true level of the Greeks,” he stated, referring to a game where controversial decisions marred the outcome. “They won their last encounter against Astromitos 3-0, showing they are not to be taken lightly.” This context adds weight to his assertion that Olympiakos will be ready to challenge Madrid on their home turf.
Tactical Insights: Olympiakos’s Pressing Game
According to Tsartas, one of Olympiakos’s strengths lies in their high pressing strategy designed to disrupt opponents’ ball progression. “Big teams dislike it when they are deprived of possession,” he explained, emphasizing that Olympiakos possesses the quality necessary to complicate matters for Real Madrid. The former midfielder highlighted how effective this tactic can be against teams unaccustomed to playing under such pressure. With players like Huijsen, Camavinga, Bellingham, Güler, and Mastantuono still maturing in their roles, this could prove a significant test for Madrid’s younger squad.
Real Madrid’s Current Struggles
The mood surrounding Real Madrid is one of uncertainty as they grapple with recent underwhelming performances. Tsartas mentioned that the team’s current state might act as a double-edged sword. “They will be eager to redeem themselves,” he noted, but added that it may take time for this youthful squad to gel into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level again. With players still learning from experience and facing immense pressure from both fans and history, the task at hand is monumental.
Finally, Tsartas commented on Kylian Mbappé’s influence within the team. Despite his impressive form, he remarked that “Real Madrid relies too much on Mbappé.” The statistics support this claim; during Madrid’s recent struggles, their star forward has not found the back of the net in critical moments. As they prepare for this pivotal encounter in Athens, all eyes will be on how well they can adapt and respond under pressure.
As both teams gear up for what promises to be an intense showdown in Greece, one question remains: Can Real Madrid find their footing against a determined Olympiakos side eager to capitalize on their vulnerabilities? Only time will tell as kickoff approaches.
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