Olympiakos vs. Atletico Madrid: Winners and Losers from Champions League Game

Last year's beaten finalists are looking to go one better this season, but they know that the rest of Europe are now fully aware of their exploits.

They faced an Olympiakos side that made an impact of their own last term and had an impressive campaign by their standards.

The atmosphere was electric at the Karaiskakis Stadium, and the supporters were given a match to meet the expectations.

Michel's team took a 2-0 lead through goals from Arthur Masuaku and Ibrahim Afellay. Mario Mandzukic pulled one back with a header just before half-time, with the away side creating numerous chances after the break. 

It took Konstantinos Mitroglou's first goal since November to put the game beyond doubt. Antoine Griezmann scored a consolation goal as the Greeks won the contest 3-2.

Here we identify the winners and losers from the game.

The fact that the former Barcelona defender is still playing professional football given his health problems is truly remarkable.

To see him in Europe's premier competition after a two-year absence is something else.

The Frenchman is now 35 years old and naturally not at the same level that he once reached, but he's still capable of some decent performances, while his experience in marshalling his fellow teammates is priceless.

There was only one change to the Atleti back four that won at the Bernabeu. Guilherme Siqueira had a difficult evening against Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in the Madrid derby, so Cristian Ansaldi replaced him at left-back.

The Argentine, on loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg, continually provided dangerous crosses into the box and set up Mandzukic's goal.

As a unit though, they made a number of mistakes which resulted in conceding the opening two goals.

It was very unlike Diego Simeone's men, especially the mix-up that allowed Afellay his goalscoring opportunity.

The French winger was on the bench for yet another big game for his new club, but when he did enter the pitch he made a difference once again.

His movement and pace gave his team a different option, while his work rate helped inspire his fellow colleagues. He gave his team some hope that they could turn the game around with his side-footed finish.

Atletico may not have managed to find an equaliser, but Simeone will have learned plenty about Griezmann's character and will surely give him a more regular starting berth in the near future.

The match with Real Madrid was the first time the club captain had been substituted for tactical reasons.

For the second game in a row, the midfielder was removed before the hour mark. It didn't help that he had picked up a booking inside 90 seconds for tripping Pajtim Kasami.

To some extent it makes sense to sacrifice a defensive midfield player, but Mario Suarez also could have left the field.

It's bound to bother Gabi, unless he's carrying some sort of injury or knock that has still to be disclosed.

Few players have been as unfortunate with injuries as Ibrahim Afellay.

The Dutch winger is on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona and will only have 12 months remaining on his contract when he returns to the Camp Nou.

His chance in Catalonia may have already passed, but at 28 years old he still has plenty to offer in top-flight football. He clearly has a lot of talent, with his speed, first touch and trickery a handful for any opponent.

It's important that he's managed in the right manner and risks aren't taken given how susceptible he is to long-term ailments.