Olympiacos will take on Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Tuesday night, with the home team looking to climb up the league phase table.
The home team turn their focus back to Europe following their Greek Cup elimination, knowing another setback could leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
Sitting two points outside the top 24, the Piraeus club still have control over their fate, helped by an impressive run of form before their cup exit that saw them win seven of nine matches.
That sequence featured a narrow Champions League victory over Kairat, which finally snapped a long drought in Europe’s elite competition.
On the other hand, Leverkusen arrive after a difficult start to the new year, having suffered back-to-back defeats domestically, making a return to European action a potential reset.
Still well placed inside the qualification zone, their aim is now to strengthen their position and possibly move into the seeded bracket before the league phase concludes.
After failing to win their opening three Champions League matches, Leverkusen have since found consistency on the road, remaining unbeaten in their last three European outings away from home, all marked by defensive solidity.
Read our Olympiacos vs Leverkusen predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other UEFA Champions League predictions.
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Olympiacos vs Leverkusen prediction: Expect a draw
Key statistics
- Leverkusen’s last visit to Olympiacos had BTTS scored.
- Olympiacos’ last two home games ended in a draw.
- Three of Olympiacos' last five games have ended in a full-time draw.
Correct score prediction: Olympiacos 1-1 Leverkusen
For this clash, we expect a draw, with a 1-1 stalemate the possible outcome, based on Leverkusen's poor start to the 2026 year. Leverkusen will be looking to avoid dropping out of the playoff phase, while Olympiacos will need to push themselves up the table for a chance of a knockout. We expect both teams to fight it out, with the game later leading to a draw.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Very close odds, with no sure winner
- Home: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%
- Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- Away: 17/10 (2.70) – 37.0%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Going into this game, Olympiacos hold a slight advantage in the betting markets, with odds of 2.45 translating to a 40.8% implied probability of a home win.
Bayer Leverkusen are not far off at 2.70 (37.0%), underlining how evenly matched the two sides are expected to be, while the draw is priced at 3.50 (28.6%). Overall, the odds point to a tight game, with a draw expected.
Most recent head-to-head: Balance record
Based on previous meetings, the most recent competitive clashes between these sides came in the 2002–03 Champions League group stage. On that occasion, Olympiacos recorded a dominant 6–2 home victory, while Bayer Leverkusen responded with a 2–0 win on German soil.
With little recent reference point and both teams having undergone major changes since their last meeting, the game shapes up as a fascinating contest with minimal familiarity on either side.
After reviewing our key Olympiacos vs Leverkusen predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Olympiacos preview: One injury concern
Olympiacos have a light injury list ahead of this clash, with goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis ruled out due to injury. Aside from his absence, the head coach has a fully fit squad available to select from.
Predicted lineup: Tzolakis (GK), Rodinei, Biancone, Pirola, Ortega, Hezze, Mouzakitis, Gelson Martins, Chiquinho, Podence & El Kaabi
Last five fixtures
- 14.01.26 – Olympiacos 0–2 PAOK
- 10.01.26 – Atromitos 0–2 Olympiacos
- 03.01.26 – Olympiacos 3–0 OFI Crete
- 20.12.25 – Olympiacos 1–1 Kifisia
- 17.12.25 – Olympiacos 6–0 Iraklis
Leverkusen preview: Multiple absences
Leverkusen face a longer list of absentees, with Mark Flekken, Nathan Tella, Axel Tape-Kobrissa, Edmond Tapsoba and Exequiel Palacios all unavailable through injury.
The German side will need to adjust both defensively and offensively, as several first-team regulars are missing for this crucial European fixture.
Predicted lineup: Blaswich (GK), Quansah, Andrich, Bade, Arthur, Maza, Garcia, Grimaldo, Tillman, Poku & Schick
Last five fixtures
- 17.01.26 – Hoffenheim 1–0 Bayer Leverkusen
- 10.01.26 – Bayer Leverkusen 1–4 Stuttgart
- 20.12.25 – RB Leipzig 1–3 Bayer Leverkusen
- 13.12.25 – Bayer Leverkusen 2–0 FC Köln
- 10.12.25 – Bayer Leverkusen 2–2 Newcastle
Player to watch: Alejandro Grimaldo
Alejandro Grimaldo emerges as the top player and attacking threat for Leverkusen in this fixture. The forward has taken on greater responsibility, registering three goals and an assist in the Champions League.
Grimaldo has proven capable of producing decisive contributions in the team. He scored in his last game despite their heavy loss. His speed, flair and creative spark are likely to play a key role in helping his team avoid a loss.