Conference League
The quarter-final duel in the UEFA Europa Conference League between Olympiacos Piraeus and Fenerbahce Istanbul promises to be very explosive. The Greeks would like to present Karaiskakis in the sold-out Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis on Thursday (6.45 p.m., live on ORF1, broadcast starts at 6.20 p.m.) and create a good starting position for the second leg. The remaining games also guarantee excitement.
11.04.2024 09.55
Online since today, 9:55 a.m
“We have to play very smart. This is a duel between two very good teams and we want to travel to Istanbul with a lead,” said Spanish Olympiacos coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, who led Sevilla to Europa League triumph in 2023. What his team is capable of was shown in the round of 16. They lost the home game against Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-1, but managed to gain promotion in the second leg thanks to a 6-1 gala after extra time.
Additional motivation for Olympiakos is the fact that the Greek record champions from Piraeus could reach the final on May 29th in the AEK Arena in Athens. Fenerbahce captain Edin Dzeko knows what awaits the Turks in the Piraeus cauldron. “We absolutely have to try to get a good result there,” said the Bosnian, who will turn 38 in March. “The chances are 50:50, both teams have played on equal terms recently.”
Aston Villa calls for storm conquerors
In the other quarter-final duels, Aston Villa and Sturm Graz conqueror Lille (9 p.m.) face each other. The “Villans” have been unbeaten in seven games in the Conference League, most recently with a 4-0 win over Ajax Amsterdam. “My team has to be ready to perform at their best at least two games a week,” said coach Unai Emery. However, Lille has also impressed recently with consistent performances.
Viktoria Pilsen is now in the quarter-finals of the European Cup for the first time in the club’s history and would like to continue its successful run against last year’s finalists Fiorentina (6.45 p.m.). “We have players here who have had great international careers and we have youngsters who are hungry,” said coach Miroslav Koubek. “There is a great atmosphere in the dressing room and they are a great team.”
Club Brugge has recently been weak in the domestic league, but hopes to be able to continue to rehabilitate itself internationally after the departure of coach Ronny Deila. The Belgians’ opponent in the round of 16 (9 p.m.) is PAOK Saloniki. After the draw, the Greeks were satisfied with the duel against the supposedly easiest quarter-final opponent. However, Bruges will try to convince PAOK otherwise.
