Mario Mandzukic hits hat-trick as Atletico crush Olympiacos

Mario Mandzukic scored a hat-trick as Atletico Madrid produced another fine display to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase with a 4-0 win over Olympiacos.

Atletico exploded out of the blocks and put the visitors under severe pressure from the start. And when their lead came through Raul Garcia's tap-in after good work from Juanfran, it was no less than they deserved.

Olympiacos created a couple of half chances but Atletico doubled their lead shortly before the break through Mandzukic, who finished from close-range after Alberto Botia made a hash of Cristian Ansaldi's superb low cross from the left.

Mandzukic then earned himself the match ball with two goals in quick succession after the break. His first was a bullet header from Raul Garcia's pinpoint cross before completing his treble with another header, this time from Gabi's free-kick.

The result means Atletico need only a point from their final game at second-placed Juventus to ensure they top Group A.

3' - CHANCE! Opening for Atletico as Juanfran races clear down the right and delivers a low cross for Mandzukic, but the Croatia striker is inches away from making contact.

9' - GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Olympiacos. Raul Garcia puts the hosts ahead. Juanfran's first cross is cut out but Olympiacos keeper Roberto clears the ball right back to him and he quickly finds García to tap home for close range.

21' - CHANCE! Opportunity for Olympiacos as they make heavy weather of a corner but Dominguez finally whips it into the box from the right. It's half cleared to Abidal, who lashes a powerful shot just off target.

34' - CHANCE! Nearly a second goal for Raul Garcia, and what a goal it would have been. Ansaldi drives forward again and delivers a deep cross for the outstretched Garcia, whose well-improvised volley almost sees the ball fly into the top corner.

38' - GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Olympiacos. Mandzukic prods in from close range after another devilish Ansaldi cross from the left, which wrong-footed Milivojevic, whose air kick allowed Mandzukic the simplest of finishes.

62' - GOAL! Atletico 3-0 Olympiacos. Mandzukic gets his second of the game, losing his marker to power a header into the bottom corner. Lovely cross from the right by Raul Garcia.

65' - GOAL! Atletico 4-0 Olympiacos. Mandzukic has his hat-trick! What a few minutes for the striker, who leaps highest again to nod in Gabi's free-kick from the right. Olympiacos clearly didn't learn their lesson.

Atletico have now won 20 of their last 22 home matches in Europe.

Atlético have taken maximum points – and not conceded a single goal – since succumbing 3-2 at Olympiacos on matchday one.

Olympiacos have still never won in Spain.

Have Atletico found their new Diego Costa? There's little doubt that Costa left huge shoes to fill but Mandzukic now has seven goals in his last 10 games and there are signs that he's settling into Diego Simeone's system. His understanding with Gabi, Turan and Koke seems to grow every game and Atletico are certainly reaping the rewards.

Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid): An obvious choice after a superb display of centre-forward play. He will face stronger defences than Olympiacos' this season, but this was a first class performance.

Atletico: Moya 7, Juanfran 8, Gimenez 7, Godín 8, Ansaldi 8, Tiago 7, Gabi 8, Koke 8, Arda 8, Raul Garcia 7, Mandzukic 8. Subs: Suarez 7, Jiminez 7, Griezmann7.

Olympiacos: Roberto 7, Maniatis 6, Botia 5, Elabdellaoui 6, Abidal 6, Masuaku 6, Milivojevic 6, Afellay 5, N'Dinga 6, Dominguez 7, Mitroglou 6. Subs: Kasami 6, Fuster 6, Bouchalakis.6.