Lucas' Karaiskakis formula

Wednesday's opening Champions League opponents Olympiacos have a fierce record at home but Lucas Moura knows exactly what it takes to get a result at the Karaiskakis Stadium.

We head to Athens this week to kick-start our 2019/20 European campaign but we face a tough first test in the competition as the record Greek Super League winners have made their Piraeus home something of a fortress, having suffered just one defeat there in their last 20 outings.

Yet, our Brazilian speedster has been on the winning side at the Karaiskakis once before and so he understands what is required to take all three points in the Greek capital (kick-off 5.55pm UK).

Coming during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Lucas started the French side’s Champions League group stage visit to the 32,000-seater stadium in September, 2013, and, despite the fiery atmosphere in the bowl, his team cantered to a 4-1 victory as they themselves kicked off their campaign in Greece six years ago to the day.

“I remember the fans and the atmosphere at the stadium from my last game there - it’s very lively,” our number 27 explained.

“Olympiacos are a very traditional team. The fans sing for the entire 90 minutes so, for sure, they will push the team on. We need to be ready for that pressure, be calm and concentrate on ourselves.

“I think the mentality for us is to go there, be solid, have a strong intensity in our play and to play our game. Each game has its own story, but I have trust in my team-mates that we can go to such a tough place and win. To get the three points is the most important thing and we are capable of that.”

Hearing the Champions League being mentioned is something that never fails to bring a smile to Lucas’ face - we don’t even have to mention his semi-final heroics of last season to get the Brazilian international to wax lyrical about European football's top club competition.

It is a tournament we made significant progress in during the last campaign having reached the final, and the challenge is there for us to go that one step further this time.

As well as bringing some of the world's biggest clubs and greatest players to the same stage, the Champions League imbues such drama and emotion, which is why Lucas can’t wait to get the ball rolling on Wednesday night.

“The whole squad is excited to get started this season in the Champions League – it’s the best competition in the world!” he smiled.

“After Saturday's win over Crystal Palace, scoring four goals, we are all feeling very good and I think we are ready to have another great season in this competition – hopefully we can make the final again, but we need to work very hard to do that.”