Bayer vs Olympiacos: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 24.02.2026
The second leg of the Champions League playoff round takes place on Tuesday, February 24, in Leverkusen at the BayArena, where local side Bayer will host Greek giants Olympiacos. The German club returns from Piraeus with a comfortable 2-0 lead and will now look to calmly secure a spot in the Round of 16 with the backing of their home crowd.
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Match preview
Kasper Hjulmand's team put on a textbook pragmatic display in Piraeus: they absorbed the pressure and punished their opponents with counterattacks and a set piece – 2-0. However, right after their European victory, the "Pharmacists" slipped up in the Bundesliga, losing 0-1 away to Union Berlin – a result explained by heavy squad rotation. Schick, Poku, and Quansah were given a breather and are now almost certain to return to the starting eleven to finish the job and clinch a place in the next round.
At the BayArena, Bayer have generally looked convincing, despite some painful setbacks during the season to Stuttgart (1-4), Borussia Dortmund (1-2), PSG (2-7), and Hoffenheim (1-2). At home in the Champions League, Leverkusen drew with PSV (1-1) and Newcastle (2-2), and beat Villarreal (3-0). The team is prolific up front and, with a two-goal advantage, is unlikely to sit back and defend.
The Greeks just survived a tough spell: a loss to Panathinaikos (0-1), a goalless draw with Levadiakos, and a home defeat to Bayer (0-2). Nevertheless, Olympiacos bounced back in the latest round of the domestic league, beating Panetolikos 2-0 to retain top spot in the Super League, which allowed them to travel to Germany with a calmer mindset. In Piraeus, the team looked no worse than their opponents in terms of play, but committed crucial errors.
Before the return leg, Mendilibar rested several key players – Martins and Retsos sat out, while El Kaabi played only 20 minutes. The Moroccan striker hasn't scored in five consecutive matches, and the Ramadan factor could affect his fitness. Historically, Olympiacos have struggled in Germany: since their win over Werder Bremen in 2007, they've suffered defeats to Eintracht, Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, and others, adding to the skepticism ahead of their trip to Leverkusen.
Probable lineups
- Bayer: Blaswich, Tapsoba, Andrich, Quansah, Grimaldo, Garcia, Palacios, Vasquez, Poku, Maza, Schick
- Olympiacos: Tzolakis, Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega, Martins, Esse, Mouzakitis, Castello, Taremi, El Kaabi
Match facts and head-to-head
- Bayer won the first leg in Piraeus 2-0, capitalizing on their chances from counterattacks and a set piece.
- In every head-to-head meeting with Olympiacos, Leverkusen have scored at least two goals.
- Olympiacos' last win on German soil dates back to 2007.
Prediction
Bayer hold a comfortable cushion and are significantly more confident at home than away. Olympiacos will be forced to open up, and that's precisely the scenario where the German side thrive. Expect a controlled match with the hosts on top and another victory for the "Pharmacists."
