Controversy struck twice in two days for English teams in the Champions League. Both Manchester City and Arsenal went down to ten men and had a penalty awarded against them, before going on to concede a second goal and losing the match 2-0. Tuesday night will be David Moyes' turn to try and grab an advantage in the Champions League Round of 16, alongside Jose Mourinho on Wednesday, after Manuel Pelligrini and Arsene Wenger both failed.
Manchester United's struggle in the Premier League wasn't short like many predicted; it has now lasted over half of the season and realistically, to be in the Champions League next season, they need to win the competition. For Olympiacos, they will be looking to avenge United for the last four Olympiacos sides, who couldn't manage to inspire themselves to victory over the Champions of England.
Europe has been a stark contrast to a domestic shocker for United. What could have been a messy group turned out brilliantly for the reds. Unbeaten in 6 games, only 3 conceded and scoring four times as many, are all reminders to the people outside United of how well they really did.
However, despite United's superiority in Europe this season comparatively with the other English clubs, Olympiacos will not be an easy ride. At home in the league this season, they are undefeated, and have netted over 43 times, conceding just 7 goals.
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Jonny Evans and Phil Jones are still on the sidelines, creating havoc for Moyes as he looks to find a centre-back pairing to take on Europe without Evans in it. Alongside the two centre-halves, Nani remains out with a hamstring problem. Juan Mata is cup-tied after having played for Chelsea in Europe, who play Galatasaray on Wednesday, so will not be taking part in United's European run this season. However, Rafael da Silva and Danny Welbeck both returned to full training in the last few days and traveled with the squad to Greece.
Olympiacos have a striker problem, as top scorer Javier Saviola is out with a thigh injury, while Kostas Mitroglou was sold to Fulham in January and Marko Scepovic is cup-tied. 21-year-old Nigerian Michael Olaitan is highly likely to be the lone striker for Olympiacos. Olympiacos' coach wouldn't reveal a thing when asked about the fitness of January loan-signing, Nelson Valdez: "He's alive and that's all I am telling you".
Despite chuckling to himself after being asked if his side were favourites for the clash, Olympiacos boss Miguel did let Moyes know that he could expect an attacking side on Tuesday. Former-United keeper, Roy Carroll, who is now second choice shot stopper for the 40 times Greek Champions, told BBC Sport that him and his team mates were ready to face a nervous United side.
Both sides are in desperate need of a quarter-final appearance. The Greek side haven't appeared in a Champions League quarter final since 1999, when Manchester United won the competition. Meanwhile, as Moyes' first season at United looks hopeless domestically, the Scotsman needs to salvage the opportunity to get Champions League football next season, by winning it. United can't underestimate Olympiacos though - they will pay for that.