Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Olympiacos: A Rallying Act

In an unexpected turn of events, José Luis Mendilibar’s Olympiacos managed to surge up the league phase table in the final stretch. Their three straight wins, including a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 7, have given them a chance to reach the Champions League round of 16 for just the fourth time this century.

However, their domestic form has been somewhat inconsistent, and they’ll need all their tactical acumen to face the Bundesliga side.

Bayer Leverkusen: A Steady Hand

Kasper Hjulmand’s Bayer Leverkusen entered a more stable period towards the end of the league phase. Their 3-0 win over Villarreal in Gameweek 8, and three out of their last five games, indicate a team on a roll.

With the Danish manager guiding them, they’ve found some rhythm, but Hjulmand’s caution may prevent him from making wholesale changes for this crucial match.

Lineups and Predictions

The home side enters healthy save for Theofanis Bakoulas. Mehdi Taremi is expected to lead the attack alongside Gelson Martins, both having contributed significantly in previous matches.

On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen’s squad faces several injuries. Malik Tillman and Alejandro Grimaldo are key players who could make a difference if given the green light by Hjulmand.

The match is expected to be tense with both teams wary of committing a game-defining error. A low-scoring draw might be in the cards, as Olympiacos learned from their first meeting last month.

Final Thoughts

You might think this is new, but it’s not. The Champions League has seen its fair share of surprises, and both teams have proven capable of surprising outcomes. This fixture could very well be the deciding factor in their respective seasons. Stay tuned for the first leg on Wednesday, February 18.