Match Analysis: Atletico Madrid 4-0 Olympiacos

Atletico Madrid secured their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Olympiacos at the Vicente Calderon.

Mario Mandzukic led the way for the hosts with his first hat-trick for the club after Raul Garcia had opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Below, Sports Mole looks at the key taking points on a night when Atletico dominated their Group A rivals.

Match statistics

ATLETICO Shots: 17 On target: 6 Possession: 59% Corners: 7 Fouls: 12

OLYMPIACOS Shots: 4 On target: 1 Possession: 41% Corners: 3 Fouls: 16

Was the result fair?

Not one Olympiacos supporter will be arguing that their side deserved anything from this match. Atletico were dominant from the first whistle, and Olympiacos just didn't have an answer. In truth, the statistics do not tell the whole story, because the visitors seemed to spend the entire game on the back foot as Atletico sent in cross after cross towards the waiting Mandzukic.

Atletico's performance

It was a brilliant start to the match from the hosts. They pressed with the intensity which they have become famous for under Diego Simeone. Christian Ansaldi and Juanfran were pushed high up the pitch to put further pressure on the Olympiacos defence. Both enjoyed excellent nights, while Tiago, Koke, Gabi dictated the tempo in midfield. Arda Turan was at the heart of every attack, and Mandzukic ensured that the hosts secured the comfortable win they deserved. Simeone will find it difficult to find many negatives when he reflects on his side's display.

Olympiacos's performance

Quite simply, it wasn't good enough from Michel's side. Olympiacos have surprised many by staying in contention after being drawn into a difficult group, but the visitors just didn't turn up at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico looked threatening every time they got the ball out to the wings, and Olympiacos were fortunate not concede more goals on a miserable evening. The defence were given very little help by the midfield, with the likes of Alejandro Dominguez and Ibrahim Afellay nothing more than passengers for the visitors. Michel will be furious if such a below-par display prevents his side from beating Juventus to second place.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Mario Mandzukic: Juanfran and Turan both deserve to be recognised for their excellent performances, but goals win matches and it's Mandzukic who will dominate the headlines after scoring his first hat-trick for Atletico. The Croatian's strength was too much for Olympiacos, and he created his own chances with his ability to find space inside the box. Simeone will be delighted with a player he was considering leaving out due to a neck injury.

Biggest gaffe

Roberto has been one of the stars of his side's campaign, but the Olympiacos goalkeeper will have to accept responsibility for the first goal. Alberto Botía had knocked the ball back to Roberto in a congested box, and the shot-stopper, who didn't think he would be allowed to pick it up, gifted the ball straight to Juanfran. Moments later, Garcia was tapping in the opener from close range. It was just the start of a miserable night for the visitors.

Referee performance

Wolfgang Stark was kept busy on a night when players clashed on a number of occasions. It was a decent display from the German official, who used his experience to his advantage.

What next?

Atletico: Simeone's side return to action against Deportivo la Coruna on Sunday morning.

Olympiacos: The Greek champions are scheduled to meet Kerkyra on Sunday, but a recent suspension of fixtures means the game remains in doubt.