Olympicos and Bayer Leverkusen will lock horns in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff tie at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday, 18 February.
View our Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen predictions below.
Contents
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction: Home side to repeat group phase heroics?
Key stats
- Six of Olympiacos's last seven matches have gone above the 4.5-card threshold.
- Bayer Leverkusen are undefeated in their last six matches.
- There were fewer than 11 corners in each of Olympiacos's last five matches.
Correct score prediction: Olympiacos 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
The two sides have already met once this season, during the league phase on matchday seven, when the Greek giants won 2-0 at this venue, and they will be aiming to repeat the result.
However, their recent form has not been up to the mark, with Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men having won just one of their last four matches (D2 L1).
After three defeats at the start of the New Year, Leverkusen appear to have found some kind of form and have picked up five wins and a draw in their last six matches in all competitions.
Seven of Olympiacos' last nine games went over the 2.5-goal line, so we predict another thrilling but low-scoring game, with both sides finding the net.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Both teams to score
HOME: 6/4 (2.5) – 40%
DRAW: 12/5 (3.4) – 29.4%
AWAY: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
After failing to win their opening five fixtures in the Champions League, many had expected Olympiacos to exit early, but they came back strongly to win their next three matches to secure a spot in the play-off.
The revival began with a 1-0 win over Kairat Almaty, followed by victories against Leverkusen and Ajax, and they should be confident of producing a strong performance at home.
Ahead of this encounter, Olympiacos are expected to win at 6/4 (2.5), with a 40% probability.
Leverkusen failed to win their opening three matches and needed a victory in their final game to secure a spot in the play-off. Kasper Hjulmand’s side won 3-0 in their final game against Villarreal, and they have been in terrific form at the moment.
As a result, the bookies have priced them at 7/4 (2.75) with 36.4% chances of winning, which is a good indicator of their recent impressive form.
Leverkusen have won the first half in five of their last six matches, and back them to do so at 12/5 (3.4) on Wednesday night.
The visitors have scored in each of their last six games, while Olympiacos are expected to raise their level at home. BTTS – Yes at 8/11 (1.73) with 57.8% looks really attractive.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Revenge on the cards?
As mentioned above, the two sides previously met in the group phase, where Olympiacos won. Leverkusen would be happy to secure a draw and complete the job at their home turf in the second leg.
Historically, Bayer Leverkusen have not won in Greece against Olympiacos for over 20 years, and in 2002, they lost 6-2 in the Champions League.
UEFA Champions League 20/01/26
Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiacos preview: Home atmosphere crucial
Olympiacos will be looking to make full use of the home advantage and take a healthy lead ahead of the next leg. They have always won against Leverkusen at home, and will be looking to do that again for the second time this season.
The home side are expected to remain without midfielder Theofanis Bakoulas, who is currently recovering from a knee injury. Likewise, defender Francisco Ortega and striker Mehdi Taremi are both doubts after missing the weekend game at Levadiakos.
Predicted lineup: Tzolakis (GK), Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega, Mouzakitis, Hezze, Rodinei, Kaabi, Podence & Taremi
Last five matches
- 14/02/26: Levadiakos 0-0 Olympiacos (Greek Super League)
- 08/02/26: Olympiacos 0-1 Panathinaikos (Greek Super League)
- 04/02/26: Asteras Tripolis 0-3 Olympiacos (Greek Super League)
- 01/02/26: AEK Athens 1-1 Olympiacos (Greek Super League)
- 28/01/26: Ajax 1-2 Olympiacos (UEFA Champions League)
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Improvement in recent form
After a poor start to the season, Leverkusen have jumped to sixth in the Bundesliga table, and they are riding high on momentum at the moment.
However, they are also missing a few key players, with forward Eliesse Ben Seghir still nursing an ankle problem sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations last month.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken is absent with a knee injury, while Nathan Tella is out of action with a foot problem.
Predicted lineup: Blaswich (GK), Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba, Vasquez, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo, Maza, Poku & Schick
Last five matches
- 14/02/26: Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 St. Pauli (German Bundesliga)
- 07/02/26: Borussia Monchengladbach 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen (German Bundesliga)
- 03/02/26: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 St. Pauli (DFB-Pokal)
- 31/01/26: Eintracht Frankfurt 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen (German Bundesliga)
- 28/01/26: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Villarreal (UEFA Champions League)
Player to watch: Patrik Schick
The Czech Republic striker has been in good form this season, scoring seven goals in the Bundesliga and registering two assists.
The 30-year-old has also scored two goals in the Champions League and provided one assist, and has scored two goals in his last three games.
