Preview: Environment in the stadium will play a big part
It is well known that the Olympiakos fans are very passionate, and on Tuesday, they will get another chance to prove that. After a 1-1 draw in Lisbon that could well have been a victory, the Greek side will be looking for the full three points on their home soil.
The Greek champions have not progressed to the knockout stage since the 2009/10 campaign, which should give them some extra motivation with three group matches remaining.
Another motivating factor for the hosts will be their latest meeting with the Lisbon side at the Georgios Karaiskaki. A 5-1 victory for the Greek side sent the Portuguese outfit home in complete disbelief, but with Jorge Jesus at the helm now, the Portuguese manager will know the importance of Tuesday's match.
Benfica cannot afford to lose this match, if they want to have hopes of progressing out of their group. Keeping a close eye on Mitroglou will be a must, if the Portuguese outfit wants to increase their chances of a positive result.
Mitroglou has scored 16 goals already this season, with an incredible four hattricks to his name already in the 2013/14 campaign. His performances have been watched across Europe, which have led to a number of European giants showing interest in the Greek international.
Apart from Mitroglou, Olympiakos can also score goals with the likes of Weiss, Dominguez and even Javier Saviola, who played for Benfica.
The visitors will arrive in Greece fresh off a victory against Academica de Coimbra, which gave them a chance to pull within three points of league leaders Porto. But on Tuesday, a different competition will take center stage, and Benfica's players will know that a defeat could really complicate their chances of progression.
In their previous six meetings with Olympiakos, the Águias have come out on top three times, with two defeats, and one draw, which came last week at the Estádio da Luz.
With Oscar Cardozo finding his form, and Jorge Jesus getting some players back from injury, Benfica could cause some problems for the hosts.
Whether their offensive creativity comes from Nicolas Gaitan or Markovic, this Portuguese side has a lot of quality, but making it all work together has been their problem. With their backs against the wall, it will be interesting to see how Jesus' men react right from kick-off.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Olympiakos vs Benfica live on Tuesday, November 5, 2013:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on: Sportsnet World Online
In the UK at 19:45 BST on: Sky Sports Red Button, Sky Sports Events Centre
In the USA at 14:45 ET on: Fox Soccer 2Go
For the fans in Greece that are unable to make it to the Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki, you can follow all the action on Nova Sports 2. If you are outside these viewing areas, be sure to check the Olympiakos vs Benfica match page for full TV listings in your area.
