The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium prepares for another electric night as Olympiakos Piraeus hosts Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 32. This isn’t just a clash for a spot in the last 16; it’s a grudge match. Just weeks ago in January, Olympiakos stunned the Germans with a 2–0 victory at this same venue—a result that still stings for the Bundesliga side.
Leverkusen currently sits 16th in the table (12 points), while Olympiakos trails just behind in 18th (11 points). However, the rosters taking the field tonight look vastly different from their previous meeting.
Olympiakos: A Massive Injury Crisis
While José Luis Mendilibar’s men have momentum (winning 3 of their last 5 CL matches), they are facing a full-blown selection crisis. The "Thrylos" will be without their primary attacking threat, Mehdi Taremi, who was instrumental in their January win.
The defensive stability is also under threat, with Francisco Ortega, Ruben Vezo, and Yusuf Yazıcı all ruled out. With six key squad members missing, Mendilibar will have to rely on a makeshift backline and hope that Ayoub El Kaabi can find a moment of magic on the counter-attack to keep the Piraeus crowd dreaming.
Bayer Leverkusen: Hjulmand’s Tactical Discipline
Leverkusen arrives with a point to prove and a new tactical identity under Kasper Hjulmand. While they are missing goalkeeper Mark Flekken, winger Nathan Tella, and the creative Eliesse Ben Seghir, their squad depth remains a tier above the hosts.
The danger man is undoubtedly Álex Grimaldo. The marauding wing-back has already notched 4 goals this campaign and will look to exploit the gaps in Olympiakos' depleted right flank. Leverkusen has been disciplined away from home, conceding only 1.0 goal on average, and they will look to control possession to quiet the hostile atmosphere in Piraeus.
Statistical Angle
Statistically, this is a clash of efficiency. Olympiakos scores 1.5 goals per home game but faces a late-game vulnerability, conceding nearly 30% of their goals in the final 15 minutes. This plays right into the hands of a Leverkusen side that excels in late-game transitions.
Verdict: Predicted Score
Despite the "Hell" that usually awaits visitors in Piraeus, the sheer volume of injuries to Olympiakos’ spine makes a repeat of the 2–0 win unlikely. Leverkusen’s superior depth and the form of Grimaldo should see them edge a tight contest.
Predicted score: Olympiakos 1–2 Bayer Leverkusen.
