Club friendly match: Antwerp vs Olympiacos, prediction for July 24
On Friday, July 24, the Bosuilstadion in Antwerp, Belgium, will host a high-profile friendly encounter. Greek giants Olympiacos will take on local side Antwerp as part of their summer training camp. For both teams, this international sparring match will serve as a crucial test of tactical cohesion and physical endurance ahead of the official start of their domestic league and European campaigns.
Olympiacos, led by head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, are having an intense pre-season in Western Europe. The Piraeus outfit has already played several friendlies, showcasing impressive chemistry and attacking prowess: they secured convincing victories over Polish side Rakow (2-1) and Dutch club Fortuna Sittard (3-1). Olympiacos are renowned for their ability to dictate the tempo, make effective use of wide deliveries, and apply relentless pressure after losing possession. Mendilibar continues to rotate his squad, giving minutes both to established leaders like Ayoub El Kaabi and to the club’s summer signings.
Belgian side Antwerp approach this home fixture highly motivated to impress in front of their supporters. The hosts are known for their athletic, fast-paced, and vertical football, with a focus on quickly transitioning the ball into attacking zones. Facing a team of Olympiacos’ European pedigree will be the perfect litmus test for Antwerp’s defensive readiness. At home, Antwerp rarely sit back; instead, they prefer to impose a high tempo and aggressive pressing in the opposition half.
Tactically, this promises to be a fascinating battle. Olympiacos will look to seize early control through their well-drilled midfield trio and by stretching Antwerp’s flanks. Antwerp, in response, will rely on athleticism, ball recoveries in midfield, and lightning-fast counterattacks. Given the friendly nature of the fixture, both managers are likely to make wholesale changes in the second half, which should inject some chaos and open up spaces for the forwards.
Prediction
Antwerp will play two matches in a single day, rotating their lineup and experimenting with different combinations on the pitch—an opportunity Olympiacos may well exploit. My prediction: Asian handicap Olympiacos (0) at 1.9
