Olympiacos Boost Champions League Playoff Hopes with 2–0 Win Over Bayer Leverkusen

Olympiacos strengthened their chances of reaching the Champions League playoff places with a crucial 2–0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Karaiskakis Stadium, ensuring their European fate will be decided on the final matchday.

Coming into the contest with five points from six matches and sitting 29th in the league table, José Luis Mendilibar’s side knew only a win would keep them in contention. Despite the pressure, the hosts started with intent and were rewarded almost immediately.

Inside two minutes, Rodinei delivered a corner into the six-yard box, where Costinha rose highest to guide a header into the bottom-left corner.

It marked the defender’s first goal for Olympiacos after two seasons at the club and Rodinei’s first assist of the Champions League campaign.

The early breakthrough did little to alter Leverkusen’s approach. The visitors dominated possession throughout, finishing the night with 72 per cent of the ball, but struggled to break down a well-organised Olympiacos defence. Xabi Alonso’s side, who had already suffered back-to-back Bundesliga defeats in 2026, lacked sharpness in the final third.

Leverkusen did begin to create chances as the half wore on, registering a steady stream of efforts, but Konstantinos Tzolakis produced a series of important saves to preserve Olympiacos’ advantage.

Just as Leverkusen appeared to be building momentum, Olympiacos struck again on the counter. Moments before half-time, Rodinei surged forward from deep and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Mehdi Taremi.

The forward beat his marker and finished calmly at the near post past Blaswich to make it 2–0, with Rodinei claiming his second assist of the match and competition.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Leverkusen continued to dominate possession, while Olympiacos were content to sit deep and protect their lead. The German side pushed bodies forward but struggled to create clear-cut openings, often being forced into speculative efforts from distance. Tzolakis remained alert when required, dealing comfortably with six shots on target.

Olympiacos offered little going forward after the break but remained ruthless when opportunities arose. Despite registering just two shots on target across the match, both found the net, underlining the hosts’ efficiency in decisive moments.

The final whistle confirmed a result that leaves both teams’ Champions League hopes unresolved. Olympiacos climb to 22nd on eight points, keeping themselves firmly in the race for the playoff places with one match remaining.

Leverkusen sit 19th, four points adrift of the top eight, and while their position remains strong, their margin for error has narrowed.

With further fixtures still to be played on the final matchday, both sides now await decisive nights ahead, knowing qualification and playoff places will be settled next week.