The UEFA Champions League round of 16 playoff first leg between Olympiacos and Bayer 04 Leverkusen promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Greek side will look to make the most of their home advantage in Piraeus, while the German visitors aim to continue their impressive run of form. This will be the second meeting between the two teams in this season’s competition, with Olympiacos having triumphed 2-0 in the earlier group stage clash. Both sides enter this tie with ambitions of progressing deep into the tournament, and the first leg could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the tie.

Olympiacos’ Recent Form and Key Stats

Olympiacos approach this match after a 0-0 draw against Levadiakos on February 14, a result that extended their recent run to two draws, two wins, and one defeat in their last five matches. During this period, they have averaged 1.2 goals scored and 0.6 conceded per game, showing a balanced but slightly conservative approach. In the Champions League, their record stands at three wins, two draws, and three losses, with an average of 1.3 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per match.

The Greek champions have been involved in low-scoring affairs recently, with Under 3.5 goals recorded in each of their last 13 matches. Moreover, at least one team has failed to score before half time in 28 of their last 30 fixtures, underlining their cautious starts. However, when playing at home, Olympiacos tend to start strongly — they have led at half time in seven of their last eleven home games. Their defensive organization has been a key factor, and they will rely on that solidity to contain Leverkusen’s potent attack.

Despite their disciplined structure, Olympiacos’ attacking output has dipped slightly. They have failed to score in their last two domestic matches, but their European form remains encouraging. During the group stage, they managed to secure crucial wins against Almaty, Leverkusen, and Ajax, conceding just once across those three fixtures. The home crowd at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium will expect another resilient performance as the team seeks to reach the round of 16 for the first time in over a decade.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Bayer 04 Leverkusen arrive in Greece in outstanding form. Their latest outing was a commanding 4-0 victory over St. Pauli on February 14, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches, with four wins and one draw in their last five. During this run, they have averaged an impressive 2.8 goals scored per game while conceding just 0.4. In the Champions League, their record mirrors Olympiacos’ in terms of wins, with three victories, three draws, and two defeats, but their attacking efficiency has been superior, averaging 1.6 goals per match.

Leverkusen’s attacking consistency is reflected in their early scoring patterns — Over 0.5 goals at half time have been recorded in each of their last ten matches, and in 18 of their last 20 away fixtures. They have also led at half time in eleven of their last eighteen games, showing their ability to impose themselves early. The German side’s offensive depth has been a major strength, with multiple players contributing to their goal tally throughout the season.

Historically, Leverkusen have performed well against Greek opposition, though their defeat to Olympiacos earlier this season ended a three-match unbeaten run. They will be eager to avenge that result and take a positive outcome back to Germany for the second leg. With their current momentum and attacking firepower, they are well-positioned to challenge the hosts’ defensive resilience.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Overview

The recent head-to-head record slightly favors Olympiacos, who have won two of the last three meetings between the sides, scoring an average of 2.7 goals per game and conceding 1.3. Their most recent encounter ended 2-0 in favor of the Greek side, a result that will give them confidence heading into this tie. However, Leverkusen’s current form suggests a much tighter contest this time around.

Tactically, Olympiacos are expected to rely on compact defending and quick transitions, aiming to exploit spaces behind Leverkusen’s high defensive line. The visitors, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and press aggressively, using their pace and creativity to break down the hosts. Given both teams’ recent trends, the match could feature a cautious first half followed by a more open second period as each side pushes for an advantage.

• Olympiacos have seen Under 3.5 goals in each of their last 13 matches.


• Leverkusen have scored at least once in all of their last six games.


• At least one team failed to score before half time in 28 of Olympiacos’ last 30 matches.


• Leverkusen have led at half time in 11 of their last 18 fixtures.


• Head-to-head record: Olympiacos 2 wins, Leverkusen 1 win.

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction and Final Analysis

All signs point to a competitive and balanced first leg. Olympiacos will count on their home advantage and defensive discipline, while Leverkusen’s attacking form makes them a constant threat. The Greek side’s recent struggles in front of goal could be offset by their strong European performances, but the visitors’ momentum and scoring consistency cannot be ignored. With both teams capable of finding the net, this fixture could deliver goals at both ends.

Given the statistical trends and current form, the most likely scenario is a match where both sides score, but Leverkusen’s superior attacking rhythm might give them a slight edge. The first leg could end in a narrow win for the visitors or a high-scoring draw, setting up an exciting return leg in Germany.

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction by BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 55% probability.