**Date:** 2026-02-24, 20:00:00 GMT
**Venue:** Unknown Venue (To be confirmed, but Leverkusen will host the first leg)
**Competition:** UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, First Leg

## 1. INTRODUCTION

The hallowed anthem of the UEFA Champions League rings out once more, signaling the return of Europe’s premier club competition, and for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and PAE Olympiakos SFP, it heralds the start of a formidable challenge. As the Round of 16 kicks off, this fixture on February 24th, 2026, pits the tactical brilliance and attacking verve of the Bundesliga stalwarts against the resolute spirit and continental experience of the Greek champions. For Leverkusen, this tie represents another crucial step in their ambitious journey to solidify their place among Europe’s elite, building on years of consistent performance and a burgeoning reputation for captivating football. Under the continued stewardship of their visionary coach (assuming Xabi Alonso or a successor maintaining a similar philosophy), *Die Werkself* are not just participating; they are contending, driven by a squad brimming with talent and a hunger for silverware.

Olympiakos, on the other hand, arrive in the knockout stages as perennial contenders from a league they often dominate, carrying the hopes of Greek football. Their path to this stage is a testament to their resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to grind out results against formidable opposition. For them, this is an opportunity to defy expectations, to etch another memorable chapter in their rich European history, and to prove that their domestic supremacy can translate into a deep run in the Champions League. The stakes are immense: progression to the quarter-finals offers not only immense prestige and financial rewards but also a statement of intent on the grandest stage. Fans can anticipate a captivating tactical battle, a clash of contrasting styles, and individual moments of brilliance that could define a season for either club. This is more than just a football match; it’s a test of nerve, strategy, and sheer will, promising an enthralling spectacle for neutrals and fervent supporters alike.

## 2. CURRENT FORM & STANDINGS

**Bayer 04 Leverkusen:**
Leverkusen enter this Champions League knockout tie in scintillating form, a testament to their consistency and the enduring philosophy instilled by their coaching staff. Domestically, they currently sit 2nd in the Bundesliga, just two points adrift of the leaders, having accumulated 48 points from 22 matches. Their goal difference of +32 (49 goals scored, 17 conceded) highlights their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Over their last ten competitive matches across all competitions, Leverkusen boasts an impressive record of 8 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 loss. This includes a flawless run in their Champions League group stage campaign, topping a challenging group with 5 wins and 1 draw, showcasing their readiness for the knockout rounds. Their recent league victories have often been characterized by fluid attacking movements, relentless pressing, and the ability to break down stubborn defenses. The solitary loss came in a tightly contested away fixture against a fellow top-four rival, but they bounced back immediately, reaffirming their mental fortitude. Momentum is firmly on their side, with key players hitting their stride at the perfect time, making them a formidable prospect for any opponent.

**PAE Olympiakos SFP:**
Olympiakos arrive in Germany as the undisputed leaders of the Greek Super League, a position they have held with authority for much of the season. They sit comfortably atop the standings with 55 points from 23 games, boasting a goal difference of +38 (58 goals scored, 20 conceded). Their domestic dominance is unquestionable, but the Champions League presents a significantly higher caliber of opposition. In their last ten competitive outings, Olympiakos has recorded 7 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. This strong domestic form has been crucial for building confidence, but their Champions League group stage performance was a more mixed bag, albeit effective enough to secure qualification. They finished 2nd in their group, managing 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, demonstrating their ability to secure vital points, particularly at home. Their recent defeat came in a cup competition, indicating a potential focus shift towards league and European ambitions. While their domestic form is stellar, the step up in quality and intensity in the Champions League knockout stages demands an even greater level of performance, especially on the road against a top-tier Bundesliga side.

## 3. HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY

Interestingly, despite both clubs being perennial participants in UEFA club competitions for decades, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and PAE Olympiakos SFP have remarkably few competitive encounters in their shared history. Prior to this Round of 16 tie, the two clubs have met only twice in official UEFA competitions, both times in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League during the 2018/19 season.

In those two encounters:
* **Match 1 (Group Stage, October 2018):** Olympiakos SFP 0 – 1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen. A hard-fought away victory for *Die Werkself* in Greece, secured by a late goal, highlighting Leverkusen’s clinical edge even then.
* **Match 2 (Group Stage, December 2018):** Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0 – 0 Olympiakos SFP. A cagey affair in Germany that ended in a stalemate, with Olympiakos demonstrating their defensive resilience on the road.

This historical record provides a fascinating, if limited, backdrop. Leverkusen holds a slight psychological edge with a win and a draw, having never lost to Olympiakos. However, the last meeting being a goalless draw at home for Leverkusen suggests that Olympiakos are perfectly capable of frustrating their German counterparts, even on their own turf. The context of a Champions League knockout tie is, of course, vastly different from a Europa League group stage. The stakes are infinitely higher, and both teams have evolved significantly in terms of squad personnel, tactical approaches, and overall club stature since 2018.

What can be gleaned is that Olympiakos possesses the ability to defend resolutely and make life difficult for technically superior teams. Leverkusen, even in their earlier iterations, demonstrated the capacity to find a way to win, even when challenged. This limited history means there’s no deeply ingrained rivalry or pattern of results that heavily favors one side, adding an element of fresh anticipation to this high-stakes encounter. The “unknown” factor, coupled with the significant evolution of both clubs, ensures that past results will serve more as footnotes than definitive predictors for this crucial Champions League clash.

## 4. TEAM NEWS & SQUAD ANALYSIS

### Bayer 04 Leverkusen

**Likely Starting XI (3-4-2-1):**
Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapié; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Hofmann; Boniface.

**Key Players Available:**
Leverkusen’s strength lies in their well-oiled system and the individual brilliance within it. **Florian Wirtz** remains their creative heartbeat, operating in the half-spaces with unparalleled vision and dribbling ability. **Victor Boniface** leads the line, a powerful and clinical striker whose hold-up play and finishing are crucial. The wing-back pairing of **Jeremie Frimpong** and **Álex Grimaldo** provides relentless attacking width and defensive cover. In midfield, the experience of **Granit Xhaka** alongside the dynamism of **Exequiel Palacios** offers control and bite. The defensive trio of **Edmond Tapsoba**, **Jonathan Tah**, and **Piero Hincapié** has formed a solid unit, protecting the reliable **Lukas Hradecky** in goal.

**Injury Concerns:**
Leverkusen will be without the services of central defender **Odilon Kossounou**, who sustained a hamstring injury in a recent league fixture and is expected to be out for another 2-3 weeks. His absence, while not catastrophic given their defensive depth, removes a valuable option for rotation and aerial dominance. Additionally, backup striker **Patrik Schick** is still recovering from a minor muscle strain, making him a doubt for the starting XI but potentially available from the bench if needed.

**Suspensions:**
No players are currently suspended for Leverkusen.

**Squad Depth:**
Leverkusen’s impressive domestic and European form has been underpinned by excellent squad depth. Players like **Jonas Hofmann**, **Nathan Tella**, **Amine Adli**, and **Robert Andrich** provide quality options off the bench, capable of changing the game or maintaining intensity. This depth allows their coach to manage player fatigue and adapt tactics during the match, a significant advantage in knockout football.

### PAE Olympiakos SFP

**Likely Starting XI (4-2-3-1):**
Paschalakis; Rodinei, Retsos, Ntoi, Ortega; Hezze, Camara; Podence, Fortounis, Masouras; El Kaabi.

**Key Players Available:**
Olympiakos relies on a blend of experienced campaigners and energetic talents. **Kostas Fortounis**, despite his age, remains the creative spark in midfield, often dictating play and providing dangerous set-piece delivery. Upfront, **Ayoub El Kaabi** is their primary goal threat, a clinical finisher with good movement. On the flanks, **Daniel Podence** (on loan from Wolves, or a similar impactful winger by 2026) provides pace and trickery, while **Giorgos Masouras** offers directness. In central midfield, **Santiago Hezze** and **Mady Camara** form a robust pairing, tasked with breaking up play and shielding the defense. The defensive line, anchored by the experienced **Panagiotis Retsos** and young **Andreas Ntoi**, will need to be at its absolute best.

**Injury Concerns:**
Olympiakos faces a significant blow with the absence of their influential left-back **Francisco Ortega**, who picked up a knee injury last week and is ruled out for this first leg. His attacking contributions and defensive solidity will be sorely missed, potentially forcing a tactical reshuffle or relying on a less experienced replacement. Additionally, backup midfielder **João Carvalho** is nursing a minor ankle sprain and is unlikely to feature.

**Suspensions:**
No players are currently suspended for Olympiakos.

**Squad Depth:**
While Olympiakos possesses good depth for the Super League, the step up to Champions League knockout football often exposes any limitations. Players like **Youssef El-Arabi** (if still at the club or a similar veteran striker), **Pep Biel**, and **Andreas Bouchalakis** (or newer talent) provide options from the bench, but perhaps lack the same consistent match-winning impact as Leverkusen’s reserves. Their ability to rotate without significant drop-off will be tested, especially with key injuries.

## 5. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

### Bayer 04 Leverkusen

1. **Florian Wirtz (Attacking Midfielder):**
By 2026, Florian Wirtz has cemented his status as one of the world’s premier attacking midfielders. His current form is exceptional, consistently delivering goals and assists. Wirtz possesses an uncanny ability to glide past defenders with exquisite close control and dribbling, often creating space where none seems to exist. His vision for a pass is elite, capable of unlocking the tightest defenses with a perfectly weighted through ball. Furthermore, his knack for arriving late in the box to score crucial goals makes him a dual threat. Against a potentially deep-lying Olympiakos defense, Wirtz’s ingenuity, quick feet, and ability to operate effectively in congested areas will be paramount to breaking the deadlock. He is the orchestrator, the catalyst, and often the decisive factor for Leverkusen.

2. **Victor Boniface (Striker):**
Victor Boniface has developed into a complete modern striker, combining raw power with refined technique. His physical presence makes him a handful for any defender, capable of holding up the ball, bringing teammates into play, and winning aerial duels. Beyond his strength, Boniface possesses deceptive pace and a predatory instinct in the box, making him a consistent goal scorer. His statistics reflect a striker in peak form, with a high conversion rate and an impressive number of assists for a centre-forward, showcasing his link-up play. Against Olympiakos’s potentially compact defensive line, Boniface’s ability to create space through his movement, or simply power his way through, will be vital. His aerial threat from set-pieces also adds another dimension to Leverkusen’s attack.

3. **Jeremie Frimpong (Right Wing-Back):**
Frimpong has evolved into one of the most dynamic wing-backs in European football. His blistering pace and relentless energy make him a constant threat down the right flank, both in attack and defense. He possesses excellent dribbling skills, often beating his man to deliver dangerous crosses or cut inside to shoot. While his attacking contributions are significant, his defensive work rate and recovery pace are equally impressive, allowing Leverkusen to maintain a high line. Against Olympiakos, Frimpong’s overlapping runs will stretch their defense, creating space for Wirtz and Boniface, and his one-on-one duels with Olympiakos’s left-sided players will be a key battleground.

### PAE Olympiakos SFP

1. **Kostas Fortounis (Attacking Midfielder):**
The veteran playmaker, Kostas Fortounis, remains the creative heart of Olympiakos. By 2026, his experience and footballing intelligence are invaluable assets. While perhaps not possessing the same explosive pace as in his younger days, his vision, passing range, and exceptional set-piece delivery are still top-tier. Fortounis is the player who can unlock defenses with a moment of magic, whether it’s a perfectly weighted through ball, a curling shot from distance, or a dangerous free-kick. Against a high-pressing Leverkusen side, his composure under pressure and ability to pick out a pass to initiate a counter-attack will be crucial for Olympiakos to relieve pressure and create their own chances.

2. **Ayoub El Kaabi (Striker):**
Ayoub El Kaabi has proven to be a prolific goalscorer for Olympiakos, particularly in the big moments. He is a classic poacher, known for his intelligent movement off the ball, sharp finishing, and ability to be in the right place at the right time. While not necessarily involved in intricate build-up play, his primary role is to convert chances, and he does so with remarkable consistency. Against Leverkusen’s high defensive line, El Kaabi’s pace and ability to run in behind could be a significant threat on the counter-attack. His clinical finishing will be essential, as Olympiakos might only get a few clear-cut opportunities against the Bundesliga giants.

3. **Santiago Hezze (Defensive Midfielder):**
Santiago Hezze has become the lynchpin of Olympiakos’s midfield, providing crucial defensive cover and breaking up opposition attacks. He is a tireless worker, strong in the tackle, and possesses excellent positional awareness. His role will be vital in shielding the back four from Leverkusen’s fluid attacking movements and containing Florian Wirtz. Hezze’s ability to win back possession, distribute the ball simply, and provide a physical presence in midfield will be key to disrupting Leverkusen’s rhythm and preventing them from dominating the center of the park. His performance will dictate how effectively Olympiakos can frustrate *Die Werkself*’s intricate passing game.

## 6. TACTICAL BREAKDOWN

### Bayer 04 Leverkusen

**Expected Formation:** 3-4-2-1
Leverkusen, under their established tactical framework, will almost certainly deploy their customary 3-4-2-1 formation. This system allows for incredible fluidity and attacking versatility.

**Playing Style:**
* **High Possession & Positional Play:** Leverkusen thrives on dominating possession, patiently building from the back with short, intricate passes. Their positional play is highly advanced, with players constantly rotating and creating triangles to offer passing options.
* **Aggressive Counter-Pressing (Gegenpressing):** Upon losing possession, *Die Werkself* immediately swarms the opponent, aiming to win the ball back high up the pitch within seconds. This suffocating press often leads to turnovers in dangerous areas and prevents opponents from launching effective counter-attacks.
* **Wing-Back Overloads:** Frimpong and Grimaldo are crucial to their attacking width. They push high, often acting as auxiliary wingers, creating overloads in wide areas and delivering dangerous crosses.
* **Half-Space Exploitation:** Florian Wirtz and Jonas Hofmann (or similar creative midfielders) operate brilliantly in the half-spaces between the opponent’s full-back and centre-back, linking midfield with Boniface and pulling defenders out of position.
* **Build-Up:** They build from the goalkeeper, utilizing their three centre-backs and Granit Xhaka as deep-lying playmakers to bypass the initial press.
* **Defensive Setup:** A high defensive line, often leaving space in behind for quick attackers, but relying on the pace of their centre-backs and the quick recovery of their midfielders.

### PAE Olympiakos SFP

**Expected Formation:** 4-2-3-1
Olympiakos is likely to adopt a more conservative and pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation, especially away from home in a Champions League knockout tie.

**Playing Style:**
* **Defensive Solidity & Deep Block:** Their primary objective will be to deny Leverkusen space, particularly in central areas. They will likely sit in a compact mid-to-low block, forcing Leverkusen wide and limiting their intricate passing combinations.
* **Counter-Attacking Threat:** Olympiakos’s main avenue for attack will be through rapid transitions. They will look to absorb pressure, win the ball, and quickly launch attacks, often utilizing the pace of Podence and the finishing of El Kaabi. Long balls over the top or quick passes into the channels will be common.
* **Set-Piece Reliance:** Given Leverkusen’s attacking prowess, Olympiakos will know that set-pieces (corners, free-kicks) represent a significant opportunity to score. With Fortounis’s delivery and their physical presence, they will look to exploit these situations.
* **Midfield Battle:** The central midfield duo of Hezze and Camara will be tasked with disrupting Leverkusen’s rhythm, winning second balls, and protecting the back four. Expect aggressive tackling and diligent marking.
* **Direct Build-Up:** Unlike Leverkusen, Olympiakos will be less concerned with intricate build-up. They will often play more direct, bypassing the midfield to get the ball into advanced areas quickly.
* **Defensive Transition:** Their ability to quickly get behind the ball and reorganise after an attack will be crucial to nullifying Leverkusen’s counter-pressing.

### Tactical Matchup:

The match will likely be a classic tale of attack vs. defense. Leverkusen will dominate possession, probing for openings with their fluid movement and intricate passing. Olympiakos will aim to frustrate, congest the midfield, and deny space in their defensive third. The key tactical battles will include:

1. **Leverkusen’s Half-Space Exploitation vs. Olympiakos’s Midfield Shield:** Can Wirtz and Hofmann find pockets of space between Olympiakos’s defensive lines, or will Hezze and Camara effectively close them down?
2. **Wing-Back Overloads vs. Full-Back/Winger Tracking:** Frimpong and Grimaldo’s forward runs will test the discipline and stamina of Olympiakos’s full-backs and wide midfielders. If Olympiakos’s wingers don’t track back diligently, Leverkusen will create significant overloads.
3. **Leverkusen’s Counter-Press vs. Olympiakos’s Counter-Attack:** When Olympiakos wins the ball, can they bypass Leverkusen’s immediate counter-press to launch a meaningful counter, or will they be stifled before they can get going? El Kaabi’s ability to hold up the ball or break free will be crucial here.
4. **Set-Pieces:** While Leverkusen is dangerous from set-pieces, Olympiakos will view them as their most viable route to goal. Defensive discipline in these moments will be paramount for both sides.

Ultimately, Leverkusen will seek to impose their high-intensity, possession-based game, while Olympiakos will look to disrupt, defend resolutely, and pounce on any mistakes.

## 7. STRENGTHS vs WEAKNESSES

### Bayer 04 Leverkusen

**Strengths:**
* **Attacking Fluidity & Creativity:** With Wirtz, Boniface, Frimpong, and Grimaldo, Leverkusen possesses an incredibly dynamic and unpredictable attack. Their ability to rotate positions, combine in tight spaces, and create chances from various angles is exceptional.
* **High Press & Ball Recovery:** Their aggressive counter-pressing system is highly effective at winning the ball back quickly in advanced areas, putting immediate pressure on opponents and creating direct scoring opportunities.
* **Tactical Discipline:** Under their coach, the team is incredibly well-drilled, with every player understanding their role within the system, leading to cohesive performances.
* **Midfield Control:** The partnership of Xhaka and Palacios provides a perfect blend of experience, defensive solidity, and progressive passing, allowing Leverkusen to dictate the tempo of games.
* **Squad Depth:** Quality options off the bench mean they can maintain intensity and adapt tactics throughout the match without a significant drop in performance.

**Weaknesses:**
* **Vulnerability to Quick Counters:** While their high defensive line is part of their aggressive approach, it can be exploited by teams with quick, direct attackers if their press is bypassed. Space in behind the three centre-backs is their most exposed area.
* **Occasional Defensive Lapses:** Despite overall solidity, individual errors or momentary lapses in concentration can occur, particularly when under sustained pressure from a well-executed counter-attack.
* **Over-reliance on Wirtz:** While he is a superstar, if Wirtz is effectively man-marked or has an off day, Leverkusen’s primary creative spark can be dimmed, making it harder to break down stubborn defenses.

### PAE Olympiakos SFP

**Strengths:**
* **Defensive Organisation & Resilience:** Olympiakos is known for its ability to defend in numbers, maintain a compact shape, and make it incredibly difficult for opponents to create clear-cut chances. Their backline is well-drilled and disciplined.
* **Counter-Attacking Threat:** With pace on the wings (Podence, Masouras) and a clinical striker (El Kaabi), they are adept at launching rapid counter-attacks, capable of punishing teams that commit too many players forward.
* **Set-Piece Prowess:** Fortounis’s delivery and the physical presence of their defenders and strikers make them a significant threat from corners and free-kicks, often a crucial avenue for goals in tight European matches.
* **Experience in Europe:** Many of their players and the club itself have extensive experience in European competitions, understanding the demands and pressures of knockout football.
* **Physicality in Midfield:** Hezze and Camara provide a strong, combative presence in central midfield, capable of disrupting opposition play and winning individual duels.

**Weaknesses:**
* **Lack of Consistent Goal Threat:** While El Kaabi is clinical, Olympiakos can sometimes struggle to create a high volume of clear-cut chances against top-tier European defenses, often relying on individual moments or set-pieces.
* **Struggle to Control Possession:** Against teams like Leverkusen, they will likely concede significant possession. Their ability to retain the ball and build sustained attacks is often limited, leading to long periods without the ball.
* **Individual Errors Under Pressure:** In high-stakes matches against superior opposition, individual errors from their defenders or midfielders can be amplified and prove costly.
* **Away Form in Europe:** While generally strong at home, Olympiakos’s away form in the Champions League knockout stages has historically been challenging against elite opposition, often struggling to replicate their domestic dominance.

**How the Opposition May Exploit:**

* **Leverkusen exploiting Olympiakos:** Leverkusen will aim to dominate possession, use their wing-backs to stretch the defense, and unleash Wirtz in the half-spaces to create overloads and penetrative passes. They will try to isolate Olympiakos’s centre-backs against Boniface’s power and movement. Their relentless counter-press will target any hesitation in Olympiakos’s build-up, seeking to win the ball high and punish mistakes.
* **Olympiakos exploiting Leverkusen:** Olympiakos will look to draw Leverkusen high up the pitch, then bypass their press with quick, direct passes to El Kaabi or wide to Podence and Masouras to exploit the space behind Leverkusen’s attacking wing-backs and high defensive line. Set-pieces will be a major weapon, aiming to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Leverkusen. They will also seek to frustrate Leverkusen, slowing down the tempo and making the game a physical battle in midfield.

## 8. MATCH PREDICTION & BETTING ODDS

**Match Prediction:** Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2 – 0 PAE Olympiakos SFP

Leverkusen enters this tie as strong favorites, and for good reason. Their consistent form, tactical sophistication, and the individual brilliance within their squad make them a formidable opponent, especially at home. Olympiakos will undoubtedly put up a valiant fight, focusing on defensive solidity and aiming to frustrate *Die Werkself*. However, Leverkusen’s relentless attacking pressure, combined with their ability to find solutions against deep blocks, should ultimately prove too much for the Greek champions.

I anticipate Leverkusen to dominate possession from the outset, patiently probing for openings. Olympiakos will likely sit deep, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. The first goal will be crucial; if Leverkusen can score early, it will force Olympiakos to open up, potentially creating more space for Wirtz and Boniface to exploit. If Olympiakos can hold out for a long period, their confidence will grow, and the pressure on Leverkusen will mount.

**Key Factors That Will Decide the Game:**
1. **Florian Wirtz’s Magic:** His ability to unlock defenses will be the primary key to breaking down Olympiakos’s compact shape.
2. **Leverkusen’s Counter-Press Effectiveness:** How quickly *Die Werkself* can win the ball back will dictate how much sustained pressure they can apply and how many counter-attacks Olympiakos can launch.
3. **Olympiakos’s Defensive Resilience:** Their ability to maintain concentration and discipline for 90 minutes against a relentless attack will be severely tested.
4. **Set-Piece Outcomes:** For Olympiakos, set-pieces represent their most likely route to goal. For Leverkusen, they need to be vigilant defensively and clinical offensively from these situations.

**Likely Match Events:**
* **First Goal Scorer:** Victor Boniface (Leverkusen) – his power and movement will be hard to contain.
* **Total Corners:** Over 9.5 – Leverkusen’s attacking width will lead to many corners, and Olympiakos will also seek them for attacking opportunities.
* **Total Cards:** Over 3.5 – Olympiakos will likely commit tactical fouls to break up Leverkusen’s rhythm, while Leverkusen’s high press can also lead to bookings.
* **Both Teams to Score (BTTS):** No – Leverkusen’s defense is strong, and Olympiakos may struggle to create enough clear-cut chances away from home.

**Betting Odds (Illustrative – actual odds may vary):**
* **Match Result:**
* Bayer Leverkusen Win: 1.30
* Draw: 5.00
* Olympiakos Win: 10.00
* **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:**
* Over 2.5 Goals: 1.65
* Under 2.5 Goals: 2.10
* **Both Teams to Score:**
* Yes: 2.00
* No: 1.75
* **Correct Score (Leverkusen 2-0):** 6.50

Leverkusen are clear favorites, and a comfortable home victory without conceding seems the most probable outcome. While Olympiakos will fight hard, the quality gap, combined with Leverkusen’s home advantage (even if the specific venue is unknown), should see the German side take a significant lead into the second leg.

## 9. CONCLUSION

As the Champions League knockout stage bursts back into life, the clash between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and PAE Olympiakos SFP promises to be a compelling encounter. Leverkusen, riding a wave of domestic and European momentum, will be eager to assert their dominance and take a commanding lead into the second leg. Their blend of tactical sophistication, fluid attacking football, and individual brilliance positions them as strong contenders not just for this tie, but potentially for a deep run in the competition.

Olympiakos, however, arrives with the resilient spirit of a champion, ready to defy expectations and demonstrate the fighting qualities that have seen them navigate a challenging group stage. They will look to frustrate their German hosts, harness their defensive discipline, and exploit any counter-attacking opportunities with clinical precision. This match is a true test of contrasting philosophies: Leverkusen’s high-octane, possession-based attack against Olympiakos’s pragmatic, counter-punching approach.

While Leverkusen enters as the undeniable favorite, the magic of the Champions League lies in its unpredictability. Olympiakos will be acutely aware that an away goal could prove pivotal, and their European pedigree ensures they will not be overawed by the occasion. Football fans can anticipate a tactical chess match, punctuated by moments of individual genius and intense midfield battles. This Round of 16 first leg is set to be a captivating spectacle, setting the tone for what promises to be an enthralling journey through Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Don’t miss a minute of the action!