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NEC Nijmegen held Olympiacos to a goalless draw away from home, leaving everything left to play for when these two teams clash in the second leg. This significant third round UEFA Champions League qualifier will take place at Goffertstadion in Nijmegen on Tuesday, 11 August.
NEC made their maiden appearance in Europe’s top-tier tournament in the first leg in Greece, while Olympiacos are seeking a second consecutive showing in the league phase.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
NEC vs Olympiacos key stats
- Olympiacos finished 2025/26 as runners-up in the Greek Super League.
- Thrylos’ first-leg goalless draw was their opening game of the new season.
- NEC last played in the UEFA Cup, back in the 2008/09 season.
- The Dutch outfit are winless in back-to-back competitive outings.
NEC vs Olympiacos preview: Greeks to upset NEC in Nijmegen
NEC vs Olympiacos — Tale of the Tape
| NEC | vs | Olympiacos |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd (Dutch Eredivisie 25/26) | Position | 2nd (Greek Super League 25/26) |
| 59 | Points | 66 |
| 77 | Goals For | 51 |
| 53 | Goals Against | 17 |
| 5 | Clean Sheets | 19 |
| 4th | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
NEC opened their Champions League account with a 0-0 draw against the former Greece champions in the first-leg qualifier.
Dick Schreuder’s side failed to build upon their heroic stalemate though. They succumbed to a 2-1 loss in their Eredivisie opener to SC Telstar, who were making their first top-flight appearance since 1978.
The Dutch side have now lost three straight games on home turf, including two pre-season friendlies.
NEC have Perr Schuurs missing from their squad, while Olympiacos will see Yusuf Yazici sit out with a recent ACL injury.
A poor end to the 2025/26 season saw Olympiacos fall six points short and lose their domestic league crown to local rivals AEK Athens.
Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side are now consigned to the qualifying phase, having qualified automatically to the league phase last year as 2024/25 Greek Super League champions. They were knocked out of the UCL by Bayer Leverkusen in the first knockout stage.
After an eventful pre-season, where they won three and lost three of their six friendlies, they are yet to begin their domestic league season.
NEC and Olympiacos have met twice before, the first time in a July 2024 friendly. Their first competitive clash last week ended in a close stalemate.
NEC vs Olympiacos form guide & betting tips
| NEC | vs | Olympiacos |
|---|---|---|
WLLDL |
Form | WLLLD |
| 9 | Goals For | 5 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 8 |
LDDLW |
Last five – 2025/26 season | WLDWD |
Whispers predicts: NEC 1-2 Olympiacos
Although Olympiacos failed to take advantage on home turf, they are favourites to qualify at 4/5 (1.80). Their big-game experience should take them through.
NEC put up an admirable fight in the first leg – a Draw at full-time at 12/5 (3.40) provides immense value. However, Olympiacos could also edge the hosts in normal time. Olympiacos to win at 7/5 (2.40) offers excellent dividends as well.
Over 2.5 total goals at 19/20 (1.95) is a bet worth its weight. Both sides are expected to start cautiously before the game gains pace in the second period.
> Olympiacos to qualify at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Likely
> Draw at full-time at 12/5 (3.40) | Likelihood: Likely
> Olympiacos to win in normal time at 7/5 (2.40) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 total goals at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Possible