Michel proud of Olympiakos performance in Turin

Olympiakos coach Michel remained defiant after seeing his side come close to causing an upset in Turin before succumbing to a 3-2 loss to Juventus for the Champions League on Tuesday.

"We're not a big European team but we've shown that we are a threat when we travel away from home as well. Juventus is a great club with a great history, so we're proud of what we did tonight,» he said after the game.

"I'm proud of our performance, especially Roberto who once again showed his class. Saving that penalty could prove decisive for us when it comes to qualifying,» said Michel of the Spaniard's save to Arturo Vidal's spot-kick deep in injury time that has preserved Olympiakos's edge over Juventus in their head-to-head record.

"But now we have two games left and we will go to the Vicente Calderon (stadium, in Madrid) looking to play the game we have been playing."

"It's a shame we missed the penalty, it would have rounded off a good night for us,» Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters.

But the former Milan coach admitted Juve's glass was more half-full than half-empty.

"Tonight the crucial thing was to get the win, so we have to be positive. We still have two games to secure our qualification."

[AFP]