Cech expects 'play-off' game against Olympiacos

Arsenal keeper Petr Cech said Wednesday he expected a "play-off" Champions League game against Olympiacos on December 9 as the two teams vie for a spot in the knock-out phase.

"It will be like a play-off game because the head-to-head counts and we have things to catch up with," Cech said on his website, as third-placed Arsenal trail the Greek side by three points in Group F with one match to play.

"We lost 2-3 at home and the maths are easy," added the 33-year-old helmet-wearing Czech Republic keeper, who had joined Arsenal from Chelsea before this season.

"They can even lose under some circumstances while we have to win by two goals. It won't be easy but I believe we'll be able to handle it well and advance."

On Tuesday, the Gunners saw off Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 at home with first-half goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez who added another on 69 minutes.

Olympiacos were meanwhile crushed by group leaders Bayern 4-0 in Munich.

The last round pits Arsenal against Olympiacos at Piraeus while Bayern have already secured a place in the last 16.

Cech said Tuesday's results had brought "exactly the scenario we needed" as both Arsenal and Bayern won, leaving the play-off door open for the London side.

"I'm glad it went like this and Bayern in the other game also confirmed being the favourites," said Cech.

Against Zagreb, who are fourth in Group F without a chance to make the play-offs, "it ended up well," he added.

"They defended well and we knew we had to be patient. It took us some time to score the first one but when we did we had more room. We added another one fast and that decided the game."

"I'm happy with the clean sheet and with having managed the game easily and having it under control all the time."
Source: AFP