Piraeus, Greece – Olympiacos and Bayer Leverkusen are set to renew their rivalry at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday evening in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff tie. The Greek side aims to replicate their 2-0 victory over Leverkusen from the League Phase, hoping to gain a crucial advantage in this two-legged affair. This match represents a significant opportunity for Olympiacos, as they strive to reach the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

Olympiacos’ late surge in the League Phase, marked by victories over Kairat Almaty and Ajax, propelled them to 18th place in the 36-team table, securing their spot in the playoff stage. Leverkusen, finishing 16th with 12 points, also aims to extend their European campaign. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a coveted place in the Champions League knockout stages. The first encounter between these sides during the League Phase on January 20, 2026, saw Olympiacos emerge victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, as reported by ESPN.

The upcoming match is scheduled for 20:00 UTC on February 18, 2026, at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, according to Sofascore. Olympiacos boasts a strong record at home in European competitions, winning six of their last seven ties, a statistic that will undoubtedly bolster their confidence as they prepare to face Leverkusen once more.

Olympiacos’ Recent Form and Team News

Despite their recent success in the League Phase, Olympiacos’ form has been somewhat inconsistent leading up to this crucial match. They have secured only one win in their last four games across all competitions, with a goalless draw against Levadiakos most recently. This result left them second in the Super League regular-season standings, trailing AEK Athens by two points. The team has also struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in consecutive matches after a 1-0 defeat to Panathinaikos.

Several players are facing uncertainty ahead of the match. Midfielder Theofanis Bakoulas remains sidelined with a knee injury, while defenders Francisco Ortega and striker Mehdi Taremi are doubts after missing the weekend game against Levadiakos. Taremi is also one booking away from suspension, alongside Santiago Hezze and Dani Garcia. Defender Panagiotis Retsos, who previously played for Leverkusen between 2017 and 2022, will be motivated to perform against his former club.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Momentum and Injury Concerns

Bayer Leverkusen arrives in Greece with renewed confidence, having secured a dominant 4-0 victory over St Pauli in their most recent Bundesliga match. This win extended their unbeaten run to six games across all competitions, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles in 2026. Leverkusen secured their place in the playoff round with a 3-0 win over Villarreal, finishing 16th in the League Phase. However, their away form in the Champions League has been historically challenging, with 23 defeats in their last 42 away games.

The visitors will be without forward Eliesse Ben Seghir, who is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken is also sidelined with a knee injury, meaning Janis Blaswich will continue in goal. Nathan Tella is also unavailable due to a foot problem. Striker Christian Kofane is one booking away from suspension, but Patrik Schick is expected to lead the attack after scoring in the win over St Pauli. Alejandro Grimaldo, a consistent goal threat, has scored in three of Leverkusen’s last four Champions League matches.

Predicted Lineups

Olympiacos possible starting lineup: Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; L. Vasquez, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillman, Poku; Schick

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup: Tzolakis; Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Onyemaechi; Mouzakitis, Hezze; A. Luiz, Chiquinho, G. Martins, El Kaabi

What to Watch For

Olympiacos will rely on their strong home record and the fervent support of their fans to overcome Leverkusen. Leverkusen’s recent form and attacking prowess, however, pose a significant threat. The midfield battle between the two sides will be crucial, as will the ability of both teams to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. The first leg promises to be a tightly contested affair, setting the stage for a thrilling return leg.

The outcome of this match will significantly impact both teams’ chances of progressing to the Champions League knockout stages. Fans can expect a captivating encounter filled with tactical nuances and individual brilliance. Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!