AZ Alkmaar vs Olympiacos prediction: a friendly match at European competition level - 25.07.2026
Summer preparations are reaching the home stretch, and that means the level of opposition in friendly matches is getting more and more serious.
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One of the most intriguing clashes of the upcoming weekend will be the encounter between AZ Alkmaar and Olympiacos, set for July 25 in the Netherlands. Despite its friendly status, this match can easily be considered a dress rehearsal for the official season, as both teams are about to kick off their domestic campaigns and European adventures.
AZ remains one of the most exciting projects in Dutch football. The Alkmaar club has long focused on developing young talent, regularly turning academy graduates into Eredivisie stars before they move on to top leagues. At the same time, the team continues to compete for the highest places in the Dutch league and features in European competitions almost every year.
AZ’s summer preparations are following a familiar pattern: the coaching staff is gradually increasing the workload, giving young players valuable minutes, and fine-tuning the core lineup. That’s why matches against opponents of Olympiacos’ caliber are especially important—they provide a real test of the team’s readiness for official fixtures.
Olympiacos’ ambitions are just as high. The Greek giants are once again targeting the league title and a strong run in Europe. In recent years, the squad has been significantly strengthened, blending experienced campaigners with promising youngsters. The team traditionally relies on discipline, intelligent off-the-ball play, and lightning-fast counterattacks. That’s why this tactical duel with AZ’s technical and attacking style promises to be particularly fascinating.
Interestingly, these sides already met last summer. On that occasion, Olympiacos won the friendly 2-0. The Greeks played a pragmatic game, took their chances efficiently, and barely allowed their opponents any clear opportunities. For AZ, that defeat was a valuable lesson, so the hosts now have extra motivation to seek revenge.
Of course, don’t expect both teams to play all ninety minutes with their strongest lineups. In matches like these, it’s common for coaches to swap out nearly half the squad after the break. The main goal is to test combinations, assess new signings, and manage player fitness. Still, these friendlies often turn out to be more entertaining than official matches. With less at stake, teams are bolder, push forward more often, and the number of dangerous moments is usually much higher.
AZ will almost certainly try to dominate possession and use their trademark quick combinations with sharp passing. Dutch teams rarely abandon their style, even in friendlies. Olympiacos, on the other hand, might focus on a compact defense and rapid breaks down the flanks, where the Greeks traditionally boast plenty of pace. If the pattern from last year repeats itself, the hosts will have to find ways to break down a packed defense.
The atmosphere deserves a mention of its own. The match will take place at AZ’s home ground as part of the club’s pre-season festivities, so expect a packed stadium. For fans, it’s a chance to see the revamped squad for the first time at home; for the players, it’s an opportunity to feel an environment as close as possible to a competitive fixture.
Whatever the result, it’s unlikely to be the main talking point of the day. Far more important will be the lessons learned by the coaches before the start of the season. For spectators, though, it’s a golden opportunity to enjoy top-quality football as early as July. Given both teams’ styles, there’s every reason to expect an open game, plenty of attacks, and a few goals. If AZ manage to learn from last year’s defeat, we could well see a very different scenario this time around, keeping the intrigue alive right up to the final whistle.
My prediction: both teams to score – yes.
