Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction
The UEFA Champions League play-off first leg between Olympiakos Piraeus and Bayer Leverkusen will take place on Wednesday, 18.02.2026 at 11:00 PM GMT +3 at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. This fixture pits a traditionally resilient Olympiakos side against a powerful, well-drilled Leverkusen team in a tie that could be decided by fine margins over the two legs. Olympiakos arrive on 11 points and sit 18th in their domestic table with a current domestic record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats, and a goals tally of 10 scored and 14 conceded. Their home form is mixed: 1 win, 2 draws and 1 defeat. Bayer Leverkusen have 12 points and occupy 16th in their competition table, with 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats and 13 goals scored versus 14 conceded; their away record reads 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat. The last competitive meeting between these teams resulted in a 2:0 home victory for Olympiakos.
Below are our considered betting predictions for this fixture, together with reasoning and the best odds available from the supplied data.
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Main betting prediction – Both teams score? Yes
Betting tip: Both teams will score — Yes. Olympiakos have conceded 14 goals this season and, while capable of defensive organisation at home, they have shown vulnerability that favours a Leverkusen attack who have been consistent in finding the net. Conversely, Bayer Leverkusen have conceded 14 goals as well and are susceptible to quick transitions and set-piece situations against compact opponents. The pattern of the two squads suggests an open contest in which both sides can register at least one goal. This market is reinforced by the teams’ recent tendencies to engage in matches with offensive intent and Leverkusen’s clinical finishing at times. Best odds on this market (Both teams to score — Yes): 1.67 at Betwinner.
2nd Betting prediction — Olympiacos Win
Betting prediction: Olympiakos Piraeus to win the match (Tip 1). Despite Bayer Leverkusen arriving in superior recent form, Olympiakos will possess strong home advantage at Georgios Karaiskakis, where atmosphere and familiarity can play a decisive role in a one-off match. The Greeks have previously beaten Leverkusen home and recent domestic displays demonstrate resilience; their capacity to frustrate opponents at home is aided by a pragmatic approach under coach José Luis Mendilíbar. Leverkusen under Kasper Hjulmand are efficient and attack-minded, yet they travel having played a heavy fixture schedule and may find breaking down an organised defensive block more demanding on the road. On balance, the home side’s motivation, historical head-to-head edge and home support tilt the balance narrowly in favour of an Olympiakos victory. Best odds on this market (Tip 1): 2.52 at Betwinner.
3rd betting prediction – Over 2.5 goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals. Given the propensity of both teams to participate in fixtures that produce multiple goals — Olympiakos with a modest goals-for record but occasional attacking bursts, and Leverkusen with a stronger offensive output — an Over 2.5 selection is plausible. The cup tie context also encourages a proactive approach, particularly from the visitors who may seek an early advantage, which in turn can open spaces for counter-attacks and second-half opportunities. Best market odds for Over 2.5 goals; 1.90 on Betwinner.
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Statistics for Olympiakos Piraeus vs Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiakos Piraeus team news!
Olympiakos enter the fixture under the management of José Luis Mendilíbar. In domestic competition they have accumulated 11 points and currently occupy 18th position in the table with an overall record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats and a goals balance of 10:14. At home their recent record shows 1 win, 2 draws and 1 defeat, indicating that while they are not invincible on home turf, they are difficult to break down in front of their supporters. Mendilíbar is likely to prioritise organisation, set-piece discipline and pragmatic transitions; any selection decisions are expected to reflect a cautious approach with emphasis on limiting space for Leverkusen’s creative players.
Bayer Leverkusen team news!
Bayer Leverkusen are managed by Kasper Hjulmand and have collected 12 points, occupying 16th position with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats, and 13 goals scored against 14 conceded. Their away form reads 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat. Leverkusen’s recent performances show a team capable of sustained pressure and efficient finishing, and Hjulmand will likely field an attack-oriented lineup aiming to control possession and create high-quality chances. Fitness and rotation choices may influence the structure, and tactical flexibility will be important given Olympiakos’s home constraints.
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H2H statistics
The head-to-head record in all competitions between these two clubs is limited: 1 meeting, with Olympiakos winning that sole encounter 2:0 at home. That prior result gives the Greek side a psychological edge and demonstrates their ability to produce a disciplined performance against Leverkusen.
Last results Olympiakos Piraeus
In their last five competitive matches across all competitions, Olympiakos have registered 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat. Their current form is therefore mixed but not without merit: a balance of positive results and defensive solidity punctuated by occasional lapses. This recent run suggests a side capable of producing stable performances at home.
Last results Bayer Leverkusen
Over their last five competitive matches, Bayer Leverkusen have posted 4 wins and 1 draw, remaining unbeaten in that span. Their current form indicates a high level of confidence, attacking efficiency and consistency. Leverkusen arrive with momentum and the expectation of imposing their game on opponents.
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Conclusion
This Champions League play-off first leg is poised to be a tightly contested encounter. Bayer Leverkusen enter the fixture as the in-form side with unbeaten recent results, superior attacking outputs and tactical coherence under Kasper Hjulmand. Nevertheless, Olympiakos’s home advantage, the prior head-to-head victory and the clear tactical emphasis under José Luis Mendilíbar lend credibility to a home success in this specific context. For these reasons our principal forecast favours an Olympiakos Piraeus victory (Tip 1), accompanied by expectations that both teams will score, that the match will produce over 2.5 goals. Bettors should weigh the home advantage and psychological factors against Leverkusen’s superior recent form when placing stakes, and consult up-to-date market odds before committing.
