In the upcoming UEFA Champions League Knockout Playoff, Bayer Leverkusen is set to face Olympiakos on Wednesday, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (10 p.m. local time) in Athens. This matchup marks a continuation of Leverkusen’s impressive run in European football, as they aim to advance to the Round of 16 for the second consecutive season.
Leverkusen, often referred to as Die Werkself, boasts a strong historical presence in European tournaments, having come into the spotlight two seasons ago when they nearly clinched a treble but fell short in the Europa League final against Atalanta. Although several key players from that remarkable squad have since departed, the team remains competitive, and they are keen to capitalize on past successes.
The odds for the match favor Olympiakos at +160 to win the opening leg, while Leverkusen is slightly behind at +170. The likelihood of the match ending in a draw is pegged at +240. As these two teams face off, Leverkusen enters the match in decent form, having secured three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five League Phase outings, despite a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in a previous match.
Although Leverkusen’s overall performance has been mixed, with issues in expected goals and shots on target, they have a solid defensive record, limiting their opponents to only seven goals in games not including PSG. Notably, central defensive midfielder Álex Grimaldo has emerged as a key player for Leverkusen, leading the team with four goals in the Champions League this season.
On the other hand, Olympiakos, known as Thrylos, also carries a rich legacy in European competitions. The team features notable players such as Ayoub El Kaabi and Mehdi Taremi, both of whom have made significant contributions to their Champions League campaign. Despite lacking in overall attacking strength, evidenced by their low expected goals index, the team has shown resilience in defense, successfully managing to avoid blowouts aside from two matches against top-tier teams.
The tactical battle is expected to be intriguing, with Leverkusen focusing on their passing game to navigate Olympiakos’s high press. Conversely, the Greek side will look to stabilize their defense and leverage counter-attacks, although they have struggled to generate opportunities in these situations.
This knockout stage is a moment of optimism for both squads, with each eyeing advancement in one of the most prestigious tournaments in club football. As they prepare for this crucial showdown, hope remains high for a competitive and thrilling encounter.