Kasper Hjulmand, head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has emphasized the importance of not becoming complacent in their upcoming Champions League play-off second leg against Olympiacos. Leverkusen secured a strong position with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, thanks to a quick brace from Patrik Schick at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Historically, these two clubs have faced each other four times in the Champions League, with each side winning two matches. Notably, Leverkusen has been successful in their sole home match against Olympiacos, clinching a 2-0 victory back in October 2002.
Hjulmand boasts a commendable 44.4% win rate in Champions League matches while in charge of Leverkusen, marking the highest percentage for any coach of the club in the competition, provided they have managed at least three games. The Opta supercomputer assigns Leverkusen a favorable win probability of 51.5% for the upcoming match, yet Hjulmand remains focused on ensuring his team approaches the game with full intensity.
“It’s a good position to be in and a good result, but also a dangerous one – if you take it too lightly,” Hjulmand stated. He reiterated the necessity of being at their best against a formidable opponent, stressing, “Even the win in the first leg doesn’t change the fact we’re approaching the game as we normally do: We want to be proactive and win.”
Leverkusen’s track record is impressive; they have advanced from 20 of their 22 previous knockout-stage ties in major European competitions after winning the first leg. Their only setbacks occurred against Atletico Madrid in the 2014-15 Champions League and Udinese in the UEFA Cup during the 1999-2000 season.
However, there are concerns about midfielder Malik Tillman, who has found the back of the net twice in the Champions League this season. He sustained an ankle injury during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga match against Union Berlin and may not participate in the upcoming clash. Hjulmand indicated that his availability would be assessed based on training and medical evaluations leading up to the match, expressing uncertainty but leaving the door open for his return.
This anticipation for the match showcases Leverkusen’s determination to secure their spot in the next round of the prestigious tournament, highlighting both their historical performance and the desire for continued success.