Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Betfair

With a spot in the Champions League round of 16 at stake, Bayer Leverkusen host Olympiacos at the BayArena on Tuesday night for the second leg of their playoff tie.

Die Werkself carry a 2–0 advantage from the reverse fixture, but their Greek opponents arrive determined to mount a response.

Bayer Leverkusen

Kasper Hjulmand’s Leverkusen have every reason to feel optimistic heading into this second leg after establishing a two‑goal cushion in Greece. However, caution is required—Olympiacos have already troubled them once this season, and the Bundesliga side cannot afford complacency.

Overall, Leverkusen remain in good form, having won six of their last eight matches across all competitions. Yet their momentum faltered at the weekend, as they suffered a 1–0 defeat to Union Berlin, unable to recover from Rani Khedira’s first‑half strike.

That loss leaves Leverkusen sitting sixth in the Bundesliga standings, raising questions about their ability to secure Champions League qualification for next season. While they remain active in Europe this term, supporters are eager to see Die Werkself at least match their 2024–25 run to the last 16—though that campaign ended in a chastening 5–0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.

Still, there are reasons for encouragement. Leverkusen have won each of their last four home games in all competitions, keeping clean sheets in all of them. That defensive solidity will be vital on Tuesday as they seek to protect their aggregate lead.

Team News

Leverkusen will be without first‑choice goalkeeper Mark Flekken due to a knee injury, meaning Janis Blaswich should continue between the posts. Centre‑back Loïc Badé is also sidelined with a hamstring issue, so the likely defensive trio will consist of Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich and Edmond Tapsoba.

Further forward, Nathan Tella is ruled out with a foot injury until next month, while left‑sided winger Eliesse Ben Seghir is not expected to return from his ankle issue before March. In their absence, Ibrahim Maza and Ernest Poku should support leading striker Patrik Schick, with Lucas Vázquez and Álex Grimaldo operating as wing‑backs.

Olympiacos: Strong Away Form Fuels Hope

Olympiacos’s league‑phase journey began on shaky ground, losing two of their first three matches. But José Luis Mendilibar’s men rallied impressively, winning their final three rounds—including a notable 2–0 victory over Leverkusen on January 20. That performance offers hope that the Greek side can challenge their German hosts despite the two‑goal deficit.

However, their form has dipped since then. Olympiacos enter this tie with just one win from their last four matches in all competitions. More worryingly, they failed to score in three of those four games, suffering two defeats and grinding out one draw.

Their fortunes improved slightly on Saturday with a 2–0 league win over Panetolikos—a result Mendilibar will hope becomes a springboard for a European comeback. Encouragingly, Olympiacos boast outstanding away form in recent months: they are unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches on the road since a heavy 6–1 loss to Barcelona in late October, winning seven of those fixtures.

Team News

Olympiacos have fewer injury concerns than their hosts. Midfielder Theofanis Bakoulas remains out with a ligament problem, but the rest of the squad is available.

Mendilibar is expected to field Christos Mouzakitis and Santiago Hezze in central midfield, supporting a dangerous attacking quartet featuring Mehdi Taremi, Gelson Martins, Daniel Podence and Ayoub El Kaabi.

Conclusion

Leverkusen’s defeat to Union Berlin exposed vulnerabilities, but their impressive home record—four straight wins with four consecutive clean sheets—positions them well to protect their lead. Hjulmand’s side should have enough to progress, even if Olympiacos remain a tricky opponent.

The visitors have already proven capable of beating Die Werkself once this season, and with superb away form behind them, they will not make life easy on Tuesday.

Still, Leverkusen’s two‑goal cushion and overall quality suggest that the German side are favourites to seal a place in the Champions League round of 16.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Betfair