As the Champions League knockout stage reaches the historic Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium as seen in this preview, Olympiacos prepares to host Bayer Leverkusen in what promises to be a powder-keg atmosphere in Piraeus. The Greek giants, managed by European specialist José Luis Mendilibar, have turned their home ground into a fortress, winning 65% of their home fixtures this season and entering this tie on a high after a late surge in the league phase. Their recent form in Europe has been stellar, including a dominant win over the very same opponents just last month.
However, Kasper Hjulmand’s Bayer Leverkusen arrive in Greece with a point to prove and an “improved” tactical identity. This match preview finds the German side on a six-match unbeaten streak, most recently dismantling St. Pauli 4-0 in the Bundesliga. While Olympiacos have historical success on their side, Leverkusen’s attacking efficiency—averaging 2.8 goals in their last five outings—suggests a much tighter contest this time around. For bettors seeking the best value on this high-octane encounter, we recommend placing your wagers at Betano.
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
- Olympiacos: D-L-W-D-W
- Bayer Leverkusen: W-D-W-W-W
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Key Stats
- Piraeus Powerhouse: Olympiacos have won their last three consecutive Champions League matches, a run that includes a 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen and a 2-1 win away at Ajax.
- Early Intent: At least one team has failed to score before halftime in 28 of Olympiacos’ last 30 fixtures, highlighting their tendency for cautious, tactical starts.
- Leverkusen’s Travel Woes: Despite their strong overall form, Bayer Leverkusen have managed only two victories in their last four Champions League away fixtures and have not won in Greece since 1993.
Correct Score Prediction
Olympiacos 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen. While Olympiacos beat Leverkusen 2-0 at this venue in January, the visitors have significantly tightened up their structure since Kasper Hjulmand took the reins. Leverkusen’s current six-game unbeaten run is built on a balanced 3-4-2-1 system that excels in possession control. Olympiacos will rely on the atmosphere and their aggressive high press to find a goal, likely through the clinical Ayoub El Kaabi, but Leverkusen’s superior technical depth should see them find an equalizer. For competitive odds on the draw or correct score markets, check out Betano.
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen H2H
- Recent Dominance: Olympiacos have won two of the last three meetings between these sides, including a 2-0 victory in January 2026.
- Goal History: Matches between these two average 4.0 goals per game historically, famously including a 6-2 Olympiacos win in 2002.
- No Draws: Remarkably, there has never been a draw in the four historical competitive meetings between these two clubs (Olympiacos 3 wins, Leverkusen 1 win).
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Pre-game Odds
- Olympiacos Win: 2.50
- Draw: 3.40
- Bayer Leverkusen Win: 2.85
Check Betano for any late shifts in the market.
Team News Olympiacos
José Luis Mendilibar is expected to field a near-strength XI, though he will be without young midfielder Theofanis Bakoulas (ACL) and Konstantinos Angelakis. The biggest miss is arguably the lack of eligibility for certain January registrations, but stars like Gelson Martins—who has three UCL goals this term—and Ayoub El Kaabi are fit and ready to lead the line.
Team News Bayer Leverkusen
The visitors have been hit by several key injuries. First-choice goalkeeper Mark Flekken (ACL) is out, meaning Janis Blaswich will start. They are also missing the attacking duo of Nathan Tella and Eliesse Ben Seghir, both sidelined with foot and ankle injuries respectively. However, the return of Ibrahim Maza to the starting lineup provides much-needed creative spark.
Predicted Line-ups
Olympiacos (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Biancone, Ortega; Hezze, Mouzakitis; Rodinei, Chiquinho, Martins; El Kaabi.
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Quansah, Badé, Tapsoba; Vazquez, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Maza, Tillman; Schick.
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen betting tips
- Tip 1 – Result: Draw.
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals.
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes.
For a premium betting experience and live in-play markets on this Champions League clash, visit Betano.
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