Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos: Champions League Knockout Play-off Decider
LEVERKUSEN, 24 February 2026 – The BayArena prepares for a high-stakes European night this Wednesday as Bayer Leverkusen host Olympiacos Piraeus in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. Following a clinical performance in Greece last week, the German champions hold a significant advantage, but the Greek giants arrive in North Rhine-Westphalia with nothing to lose and a history of resilience.
Schick’s Double Puts Leverkusen in Control
The first leg, held on 18 February 2026 at the Karaiskakis Stadium, saw Xabi Alonso’s side demonstrate why they are considered among Europe’s elite. Despite Olympiacos controlling 53% of the possession and pressing aggressively in the opening stages, Leverkusen’s efficiency proved the difference.
Czech striker Patrik Schick was the hero of the night, scoring two goals in a lightning-fast three-minute spell. His clinical finishing silenced the Piraeus crowd and provided Leverkusen with a 2-0 cushion to bring back to Germany. Alejandro Grimaldo also continued his impressive European form, providing the creative spark that unlocked the Greek defence.
Head-to-Head History
Prior to this season’s knockout encounter, the competitive history between these two clubs was minimal. Their recent meetings have balanced the scales of their all-time record, which now stands at a stalemate in terms of total wins across all historical data points, though Leverkusen holds the current momentum.
| Date | Competition | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 February 2026 | UEFA Champions League | Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen | 0–2 |
| Historical Record | UEFA Competitions | Total Matches | 2 |
| Historical Wins | All-time | Leverkusen / Olympiacos | 1 / 1 |
Tactical Outlook for the Second Leg
Leverkusen’s Game Management
With a two-goal lead, Xabi Alonso is expected to utilise Aleix García’s distribution to manage the tempo of the game. Leverkusen’s defensive record has been stellar, conceding only 0.4 goals per match over their last five outings. The objective will be to neutralise the early Greek press and exploit gaps as Olympiacos are forced to commit men forward.
The Olympiacos Challenge
The Greek side faces a monumental task: they must score at least twice at the BayArena to have any hope of progressing to the Round of 16. While they were described by some analysts as “unlucky” in the first leg due to their possession stats, their lack of finishing was evident. Managerial tactics are expected to shift toward a high-risk, high-reward strategy, pressing Leverkusen high up the pitch from the opening whistle.
Match Information
- Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2026
- Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
- Competition: UEFA Champions League Knockout Play-off (2nd Leg)
- Aggregate Score: Bayer Leverkusen 2–0 Olympiacos
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the score in the first leg?
Bayer Leverkusen won the first leg 2-0 in Piraeus on 18 February 2026, thanks to two goals from Patrik Schick.
Does the away goals rule apply?
No, the UEFA away goals rule has been abolished. If the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes of the second leg, the match will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Who will the winner face in the next round?
The winner of this play-off tie will progress to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, joining the teams that qualified directly from the league phase.
Where can I watch the match?
In Germany, the match is typically broadcast on DAZN or Amazon Prime Video. In the UK, TNT Sports holds the broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League.