Olympiacos travels to square off against Bayer Leverkusen for the second leg of their Champions League playoff, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM EST at BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany.
After a 2-0 home loss in the first leg, the Greek champions face an immense challenge to overturn the deficit against a formidable German opponent.
Leverkusen is favored at a -130 price, with the over/under set at 2.5 (-155o / +115u) goals.
Let's get into my Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen prediction.
Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen Prediction
Pick: Bayer Leverkusen to Win & Both Teams to Score
My Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen best bet is a same-game parlay combining Bayer Leverkusen moneyline and both teams to score.
Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen Odds
| Olympiacos Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 +100 | 2.5 -155o / 115u | +320 |
| Leverkusen Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -145 | 2.5 -155o / 115u | -130 |
Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen Picks, Parlay
Leg 1: Bayer Leverkusen to Win (-130)
Leg 2: Both Teams to Score (-165)
Parlay Odds: +212 via DraftKings
The first leg of this matchup in Greece painted a clear picture of Leverkusen’s superiority. The German club was not just victorious; it was dominant.
The underlying statistics confirm this, as Leverkusen generated 1.95 expected goals (xG) compared to just 0.75 for Olympiacos. They also controlled the dangerous areas, with seven shots inside the box to the host’s four and a 4-1 advantage in big chances created. This performance on the road suggests Leverkusen has the quality to dictate the terms of the match at home.
Olympiacos enters this second leg with no choice but to adopt an aggressive, offensive strategy. Down 2-0, they must score at least twice to have any hope of advancement. This necessity to push forward will likely create a more open and fast-paced game than the first encounter.
While this approach is their only option, it plays directly into Leverkusen's hands. An open game provides ample space for a clinical team like Leverkusen to exploit on the counter.
Leverkusen has been nearly perfect at the BayArena recently. They have won their last four competitive home matches, during which they have scored 11 goals and have not conceded a single one. However, the unique game state here, with Olympiacos forced to gamble, makes it plausible for the visitors to find the net.
Olympiacos has shown vulnerability on the road against top-tier opponents, such as when Barcelona scored six against them, but their desperation could lead to a goal.
Ultimately, Leverkusen is well-equipped to manage the pressure and secure a victory in a match that should feature goals from both sides.
Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen Projections
Projected Chance of Winning
| Olympiacos | Draw | Leverkusen |
|---|---|---|
| 18.7% | 22.3% | 59.0% |
Projected Total Goals
| Olympiacos | Total Goals | Leverkusen |
|---|---|---|
| 0.88 | 2.65 | 1.77 |
Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen Betting Analysis
With a two-goal cushion from the first leg, Bayer Leverkusen is in a commanding position to advance to the Round of 16.
The initial match saw Patrik Schick score two goals in a three-minute span, effectively taking control of the tie for the German club. This result avenged a 2-0 loss to Olympiacos during the league phase of the competition and established Leverkusen as the clear favorite.
The historical context of this fixture adds another layer to the analysis. This will be the fifth meeting between the clubs, with the record now level at two wins apiece. Interestingly, before Leverkusen’s 2-0 victory in Greece, the home team had won every encounter. Leverkusen’s ability to break that trend underscores their current strength.
For Olympiacos, the task ahead is monumental. Not only must they win in Germany, but they also must do so by a significant margin. The club’s recent European away form does not inspire confidence; they have not won a European road game by a two-goal margin in their last nine attempts.
Furthermore, their offense has struggled to create high-quality chances in the Champions League this season, as reflected by their 1.15 xG per match, which ranks near the bottom of the competition.
While an upset is not impossible, as shown by their league phase victory, a comeback of this magnitude seems highly improbable against a disciplined and potent Leverkusen team.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Olympiacos vs Leverkusen picks.
