Olympiacos vs Leverkusen

The Champions League league phase reaches its critical penultimate round today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as Olympiacos hosts Bayer Leverkusen at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).

This match is a "must-win" for both sides for different reasons. Leverkusen, currently 20th in the table, aims to secure their spot in the play-offs and potentially push for the top eight. Olympiacos, sitting in 29th place, needs a victory to leapfrog into the top 24 and keep their European dreams alive.

Match Information

Olympiacos: The Power of Piraeus

Under José Luis Mendilibar, the reigning Greek champions have struggled for consistency in Europe this season, securing just one win in six matches. However, that victory—a 1–0 win over Kairat—ended a long winless streak and has given the "Thrylos" hope. Known for their high defensive line and rapid counter-attacks, Olympiacos will rely on the intimidating atmosphere of the Karaiskakis Stadium to rattle their German opponents.

Team News and Selection:

• AFCON Absence: Key striker Ayoub El Kaabi is unlikely to feature after playing in the Africa Cup of Nations final for Morocco just two days ago.

• Injury Update: Goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis (calf) is sidelined, meaning Konstantinos Tzolakis will start between the sticks. Defender Lorenzo Pirola is a doubt with a muscle injury.

• Key Player: Gelson Martins has been a bright spark, scoring in two of his last three UCL appearances.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Rodinei, Retsos, Carmo, Ortega; Hezze, García; Martins, Chiquinho, Masouras; Yaremchuk.

Bayer Leverkusen: Searching for Structure

The post-Xabi Alonso era has been turbulent for Leverkusen. Now led by former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand, the "Werkself" have had a nightmare start to 2026, losing consecutive Bundesliga matches to Stuttgart (4–1) and Hoffenheim (1–0). Hjulmand has called for a return to the team's "philosophy and structure" to navigate this difficult away fixture.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Crisis: First-choice keeper Mark Flekken (knee ligaments) and forward Nathan Tella (foot) were both ruled out for several weeks following the Hoffenheim defeat. Edmond Tapsoba, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Axel Tape are also out.

• Suspension: Midfielder Robert Andrich is unavailable due to a red card suspension.

• The "Grimaldo" Factor: Alejandro Grimaldo remains their most potent weapon, contributing five goal involvements in his last seven matches.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Blaswich; Arthur, Tah, Hincapié, Grimaldo; Xhaka, Aleix García, Palacios; Terrier, Boniface, Adli.

? Champions League Standings & Form

• Leverkusen (20th): 9 points (W2, D3, L1). Form: L-L (2026 overall).

• Olympiacos (29th): 5 points (W1, D2, L3). Form: W-L-W (Greek domestic).

• Historical H2H: Their most famous meeting was in 2002, where Olympiacos won 6–2 in Piraeus, though Leverkusen won the return leg 2–0.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Leverkusen possesses the technical edge, but their confidence is brittle following a poor domestic run and a growing injury list. The loss of Mark Flekken puts significant pressure on backup keeper Janis Blaswich. Olympiacos will look to exploit this uncertainty with an aggressive press and physical play.

If the Greek side can weather the early possession-based pressure from Hjulmand’s side, the "mosh pit" atmosphere of the Karaiskakis could lead to another famous European night in Piraeus.

Final Score Prediction: Olympiacos 1–1 Bayer Leverkusen