France return stokes Zairi belief

Olympiacos FC midfielder Jaouad Zairi said the Greek champions "have nothing to lose" as they look to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their first knockout round tie and qualify for the quarter-finals.

Michaël Ciani's strike gave the French titleholders the advantage in Piraeus last month and Olympiacos face an uphill task against the UEFA Champions League's meanest defence. Zairi, though, says the tie is not yet over. "Bordeaux are a good team with strong individuals," he said. "They are solid, but we created chances at home and will try and do so [again]. Bordeaux are in front, but we have nothing to lose. We are going to attack while being cautious at the back."

History is against Olympiacos, who are bidding to become only the second side in the competition's history to advance from a two-legged tie after losing the home leg. The 27-year-old Moroccan international is looking forward to the challenge, saying he is "glad to be back in France", where he started his career.

Zairi played for FC Gueugnon, FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and FC Nantes and experienced a mixed record against Bordeaux, winning three times and losing twice. Only another victory will be good enough for Olympiacos on Wednesday, though a run of just one win from five games suggests they will have to lift their game to have a chance.

"We really want to win," he said. "Tomorrow is the second half and we have 90 minutes left. Olympiacos have the players to get a result here. Bordeaux have not been playing well recently [not winning in three games], but the Champions League is a different competition and my team-mates will be motivated. We need to take advantage of their dip in form."