Brazilian ace Rivaldo urges Olympiacos to strike first in battle for UEFA Cup spot

BRAZILIAN veteran Rivaldo is optimistic Olympiacos can prolong their European season by beating Shakhtar Donetsk – but knows the first goal will be vital.

Trond Sollied’s Greek champions are bottom of Group D and only a victory over the Ukrainians will propel them into third place at the expense of Shakhtar and earn a place in the UEFA Cup.

Shakhtar have hopes of staying in the Champions League after their 1-0 win over Roma last time out moved them to within two points of the Italians, who play host to group winners Valencia.

“In these kind of games it is very important to score first,” said Rivaldo.

“The team that does this will find themselves closer to getting the victory, because afterwards it will be difficult for the other team to boost their psychology.

Mircea Lucescu’s Shakhtar side head into the Athens clash on the back of a 1-0 win against Sevastopol.

Lucescu is confident they can see off their Greek hosts.

“It’s like a final because we are going for the Champions League or UEFA Cup.”