David Luiz has warned his Arsenal team-mates to learn the lessons of Tottenham and Bayern Munich's difficulties if they are to overcome Olympiacos in the Europa League round of 32.
Arsenal return to European action tonight at the Karaiskakis Stadium, a ground where Olympiacos have had great success against English opponents, winning seven and losing on just four occasions.
They might have made that tally eight during the group stage of this season's Champions League, where they overcame a two goal deficit to earn a point at home to Tottenham. The Greek champions also came close to giving Spurs a bloody nose in north London, on this occasion going 2-0 up only to ultimately lose 4-2.
Olympiacos also challenged Bayern Munich and have their share of history with Arsenal, winning 3-2 at the Emirates in 2015 only to be eliminated from the Champions League by Olivier Giroud's hat-trick in Piraeus.
Luiz is one of the few members of this squad to have lifted major European silverware - winning the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League in 2013 and 2019 - and whilst he is convinced Arsenal have the quality to claim the title he insists their first hurdle will not be an easy one.
He said: "I think we have the quality for that, but step by step.
"It's not easy, Olympiacos have a great team, they did amazing against Tottenham, they did amazing against Munich.
"It's a pitch where I have been many times and it's always difficult so it's up to us to continue in the right way, being humble and improve our game."
The Karaiskakis is known for its fearsome atmosphere with Olympiacos head coach Pedro Martins noting before the game that their record of one defeat in 12 home European games proves that it is a difficult place for any team to come.
It is, however, a test that Arteta and his squad are relishing.
"It's an amazing place," Luiz said. "When you play football, this is the type of place you love to play.
"I think it's a great country, it's a country where you enjoy to play football. It's not just for vacation.
"It's a difficult place to play football, but also it's a nice game."
