AEK vs Olympiacos

Athens is divided tonight, Sunday, February 1, 2026, for the most consequential Derby of the Double-Headed Eagles in recent years. AEK Athens hosts Olympiacos at the OPAP Arena in a Matchday 19 clash that could decide who holds the top spot in the Stoiximan Super League by the end of the night. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 local time (17:00 GMT).

The standings are razor-thin: AEK (1st, 44 points) holds a two-point lead over Olympiacos (2nd, 42 points), though the visitors have a crucial game in hand. A win for AEK would establish a five-point cushion, while an Olympiacos victory would see the leadership change hands in the capital.

Match Information

AEK Athens: The Serbian Steel of Nikolić

Since taking over in June 2025, Marko Nikolić has turned AEK into a relentless domestic machine. They arrive on the back of a professional 1–0 win at Asteras Tripolis last weekend, courtesy of a goal from January marquee signing Luka Jović. AEK has been particularly formidable at home, winning their last five matches at the OPAP Arena.

Team News and Selection:

• Marquee Striker: Luka Jović is the league's top scorer for the club (12 goals) and is expected to start after his match-winning heroics last week.

• Injury Woes: The hosts will be without Alexander Callens, Frantzdy Pierrot, and Roberto Pereyra, all of whom are sidelined with injuries.

• Key Playmaker: Orbelín Pineda remains the creative heartbeat, currently ranked among the top performers in the league for chances created.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Strakosha; Rota, Vida, Moukoudi, Pilios; Grujić, Jønsson; Eliasson, Pineda, Koita; Jović.

Olympiacos: Mendilibar’s European Momentum

José Luis Mendilibar has instilled a "never say die" attitude in Piraeus. Olympiacos travels across Athens fresh from a heroic midweek 2–1 Champions League victory at Ajax, a result that secured their progression to the knockout stages. Domestically, they have kept the most clean sheets in the competition (11) and remain undefeated in their last 10 league matches.

Team News and Selection:

• The Goal Machine: Ayoub El Kaabi is the league's overall top scorer with 13 goals. His battle with Domagoj Vida will be the game's decisive matchup.

• Absentees: The visitors are missing Roman Yaremchuk and veteran keeper Alexandros Paschalakis through injury.

• Midfield Engine: Chiquinho and Santiago Hezze have formed the league's most industrious pivot, providing the platform for the likes of Gelson Martins to thrive.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Hezze, Chiquinho; Martins, Velde, Masouras; El Kaabi.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Recent Dominance: Olympiacos has won the last six consecutive meetings against AEK in all competitions, including a 2–0 win earlier this season.

• The "Jović" Effect: Luka Jović has scored 4 goals in his first 3 league appearances since joining AEK in January.

• Defensive Lock: Olympiacos has conceded only 8 goals in 17 matches—the best defensive record in Greece.

• Ref Watch: High-profile Dutch referee Danny Makkelie has been brought in to oversee this high-tension derby.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Nikolić’s AEK plays a high-pressing, physical game designed to suffocate opponents in their own half. However, Mendilibar’s Olympiacos is arguably the best team in Greece at playing through a press, as evidenced by their recent European successes.

The key will be whether AEK's makeshift defense can handle the movement of Ayoub El Kaabi. While AEK has the "home fortress" advantage and the red-hot form of Jović, Olympiacos has a psychological edge in recent H2H encounters and the momentum of their midweek triumph in Amsterdam.

Final Score Prediction: AEK Athens 1–1 Olympiacos