17 October 2014
With the international break now complete, it’s back to domestic duties for the Bianconeri’s three Champions League Group A rivals – Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos and Malmo – ahead of Wednesday’s return to Europe’s elite competition.
All Juventus eyes will naturally be on upcoming opponents Olympiacos, who are out to bridge the three-point gap on current leaders PAOK after seeing their title defence hit the buffers with a 1-0 away defeat to Atromitos three weeks ago.
Their mission begins on Saturday night in Heraklion against an Ergotelis side who have recovered from three successive defeats by recording a win and a draw in their last two Super League games, lifting them out of the relegation zone in the process.
Also in action on Saturday are newly crowned Allsvenskan champions Malmo, who welcome Elfsborg to the Swedbank Stadion for a lunchtime kick-off.
A party atmosphere is expected to greet Åge Hareide’s men when they run out on home soil, after a 3-2 away win over AIK last time out clinched their second title triumph in as many seasons.
Over in Spain, Atletico Madrid will look to kick-start their stumbling title defence when they host mid-table Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.
A comprehensive 4-0 victory over Sevilla looked to have set Diego Simeone’s men back on course in their last home game, only for Valencia’s 3-1 triumph at the Mestalla to keep them five points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
