Bayer Leverkusen Set to Battle Olympiacos: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Bayer Leverkusen hold a commanding 2–0 advantage heading into the return leg of their Champions League knockout playoff clash with Olympiacos this Tuesday evening.
Kasper Hjulmand's squad made amends for their league stage loss in Piraeus the previous week courtesy of Patrik Schick's second-half double, positioning themselves strongly to secure last 16 qualification for consecutive seasons.
Olympiacos demonstrated clinical finishing in their earlier encounter with the German outfit, yet they failed to capitalize on the opportunities they generated in the attacking third during last week's match. Consequently, it appears the Greek powerhouse, who haven't succeeded in a two-legged European tie since the opening round of the 1983–84 European Cup, will witness their Champions League journey conclude unless they produce a remarkable comeback.
José Luis Mendilibar's squad at least found success in domestic competition over the weekend, defeating Panetolikos 2–0. Meanwhile, Leverkusen endured a costly 1–0 loss away to Union Berlin.
What Time Does Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Kick Off?
What Time Does Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Kick Off?
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Bayer Leverkusen (LWWDW) | Olympiacos (WLDLW) |
|---|---|
Union Berlin 1–0 Bayer Leverkusen | Olympiacos 2–0 Panetolikos |
Olympiacos 0–2 Bayer Leverkusen | Olympiacos 0–2 Bayer Leverkusen |
Bayer Leverkusen 4–0 St. Pauli | Levadiakos 0–0 Olympiacos |
Borussia Mönchengladbach 1–1 Bayer Leverkusen | Olympiacos 0–1 Panathinaikos |
Bayer Leverkusen 3–0 St. Pauli | Asteras Tripolis 0–3 Olympiacos |
How to Watch Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+ |
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 2, discovery+, discovery+ App |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | TNT Sports, Max Mexico, TNT Go |
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Leverkusen possess a substantial advantage to defend, though they'll be missing several key players for Tuesday's encounter.
Loïc Badé and Malik Tillman both sustained injuries during Saturday's 1–0 reverse at Union Berlin, with the former definitely ruled out. The French centre-back faces approximately one month on the sidelines, while Tillman's ankle problem leaves his availability uncertain.
Should the USMNT international be unavailable, experienced Jonas Hofmann could earn a place in Hjulmand's attacking lineup, alongside last week's hero Schick and Ernest Poku.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken remains sidelined for the hosts, along with forwards Nathan Tella and Eliesse Ben Seghir.
Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs. Olympiacos (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Vázquez, García, Palacios, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Poku; Schick.
Olympiacos Team News
Olympiacos Team News
Olympiacos face fewer fresh injury worries compared to their hosts, though Rodinei's weekend absence leaves his Tuesday participation in doubt. Costinha stands ready as a replacement option at the BayArena.
Diego Nascimento's excellent performance against Panetolikos might persuade Mendilibar to keep the playmaker in his starting eleven, despite the Portuguese midfielder's limited involvement this campaign. His sole league phase start occurred during the heavy defeat at Barcelona, and he remained unused in the first leg.
Theofanis Bakoulas represents the visitors' other significant absence due to an ongoing knee problem.
Olympiacos Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiacos Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiacos predicted lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Hezze, García; Chiquinho, Nascimento, Martins; Taremi.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Score Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Score Prediction
Leverkusen thoroughly deserved their triumph in Greece, though this tie retains some life yet.
Mendilibar represents a shrewd tactician who might deploy some surprises on Tuesday evening, with an early Olympiacos goal certain to transform a calm atmosphere into one filled with anxiety.
Signs of Leverkusen overconfidence could benefit the away side and create a more tense evening than anticipated, though we still anticipate the home team securing progression to the round of 16.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 1–1 Olympiacos