Atletico Madrid are on course to qualify for the next round of the Champions League as the Spanish champions have a commanding half-time lead against Olympiacos at the Vicente Calderon.

Diego Simeone's men made a fast start as Arda Turan's cross led to an early goalmouth scramble, but Mario Mandzukic was denied a chance to shoot.

Moments later, Juanfran crossed for Raul Garcia, but his header was tipped away by Roberto Jimenez Gago as Olympiacos struggled to assert themselves early on.

Garcia wouldn't be denied for long and when Jimenez Gago gifted an opportunity for Juanfran, the full-back duly supplied the Spanish midfielder who turned his effort into the back of the net.

On 13 minutes, Atleti almost put daylight between the sides when Gabi's out-swinging corner reached Jose Gimenez, but the defender's header on the stretch was off target.

The hosts continued to cause problems for the Olympiacos defence and again went close to increasing their lead when another Gabi cross found the head of Koke, only for the Spanish international to direct his effort over the crossbar.

It wasn't until midway through the first half that the visitors, who started the game level on points with Juventus, had their first chance of note when a corner found Eric Abidal, but the French defender's strike was high and wide.

Atletico continued to dominate proceedings as Cristian Ansaldi and Garcia both wasted opportunities to give the home side a second goal.

Ansaldi then teed up Garcia on 33 minutes and the midfielder was inches away from finding the top corner Jimenez Gago's net.

However, the Olympiacos shot-stopper was beaten again minutes from the break when Mandzukic scored from close range for the Croat forward's third goal of the campaign.