Leverkusen Hold the Edge against the Greeks
A two-goal away lead in Europe usually brings control. Calm. A sense that the job is almost done. Bayer Leverkusen have exactly that platform ahead of the second leg against Olympiacos at BayArena. Still, this tie is far from settled — the Greeks have already beaten the Germans once this season, and that alone offers hope.
Leverkusen carry a 2–0 advantage. Olympiacos arrive believing it can still be turned around.
Leverkusen Must Balance Confidence and Focus
Kasper Hjulmand’s side did most things right in the first leg. Efficiency in front of goal, defensive structure and the ability to control tempo provided a valuable cushion. Now it is about avoiding unnecessary drama.
Overall form has been solid. Six wins from their last eight matches in all competitions point to stability, even if the 1–0 defeat to Union Berlin at the weekend served as a reminder. That loss showed Leverkusen can still be punished if intensity levels drop.
Home form, however, provides optimism. Four consecutive home wins without conceding suggest BayArena has once again become a difficult venue for visiting sides.
Supporters still remember last season’s heavy aggregate exit to Bayern Munich at this stage. The ambition now is to avoid another European disappointment.
Olympiacos Playing with Hope – and Little to Lose
Olympiacos began their CL campaign slowly, but finished the league phase strongly with three straight victories. Among them was a 2–0 win over Leverkusen — a result that continues to fuel belief that this tie is not beyond reach.
Recent form, however, has been less convincing. Just one win from their last four matches and several games without scoring raise questions about attacking sharpness.
At the same time, their away record is impressive. Olympiacos are unbeaten in 10 away matches since October, with seven wins during that run. That suggests a team comfortable even in challenging environments. It could prove decisive if they manage to score early.
Team News
Leverkusen will be without goalkeeper Mark Flekken, meaning Janis Blaswich is expected to start. Loic Bade is also sidelined, while Nathan Tella and Eliesse Ben Seghir remain unavailable.
Patrik Schick leads the attack, supported by youthful attacking options behind him. Wing-backs Lucas Vazquez and Alex Grimaldo are expected to play key roles in providing width.
Olympiacos have fewer injury concerns. Midfielder Theofanis Bakoulas remains out, but otherwise the Greeks can field a strong side. The attacking pairing of Mehdi Taremi and Ayoub El Kaabi are capable of punishing even minor defensive mistakes.
Odds and Tips
Leverkusen do not need to chase the game. That allows them to control tempo and minimise risk. Olympiacos, on the other hand, must push forward and score — which could open space for counter-attacks.
This feels more like control than chaos.
Tip: Draw on the night at 4.05 – Leverkusen progress.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 24.02.2026
