Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Olympiacos F.C.

The second leg between Bayer Leverkusen and Olympiacos promises to be a decisive encounter as both sides battle for progression following a dramatic first meeting. The German outfit who picked up a 2-0 win in the first-leg are now looking to get over the line by protecting their two-goal lead. Leverkusen are hoping to compete in the knockout phase for the second consecutive season and the ninth time overall. However, their recent history at this stage has been difficult, with Die Werkself losing their last six Champions League knockout ties—all at the round-of-16 stage—since eliminating Manchester United in the 2001/02 semi-finals on away goals. Overall, they have lost ten of their last 13 knockout matches, underlining the psychological hurdle they must overcome. Still, their broader European form has been encouraging, with just one defeat in their last six Champions League matches (W4 D1) and four clean sheets during that period. Home advantage could also be crucial. Leverkusen have lost only two of their last 18 European matches on their own ground (W11 D5). In addition, the German club have progressed in 24 of 26 European ties after winning the opening match, something they would be keen to do again. A 3—4—2—1 formation with Patrik Schick in attack is expected against Olympiacos.

Olympiacos have lost all four of their previous Champions League knockout ties, but they arrive with confidence after winning the second leg in five of their last six European ties overall. Away form in Germany remains a concern for Olympiacos. They have won only one of their 11 visits to German teams (D1 L9), a 3-1 victory at Werder Bremen in 2007/08, and they have never progressed from a European tie after losing the first leg by two goals. Nonetheless, they will hope momentum and defensive organisation can help overturn the two-goal deficit. An interesting subplot involves defender Panagiotis Retsos, who previously played for Leverkusen between 2017 and 2022 before returning to Olympiacos. His familiarity with the German side could prove valuable in preparation for this crucial encounter. With Leverkusen’s strong home pedigree facing Olympiacos’ determination to make a comeback, the second leg sets up a tense and potentially dramatic European night where composure and efficiency will likely decide the outcome. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Mehdi Taremi in attack is expected against Leverkusen.