Preview: Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Playoffs first-leg

Thrylos have already defeated the Werkself once this season.

Olympiacos are now going to have a face-off against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in their first-leg playoffs fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium will witness this interesting clash.

Thrylos will be at home for their upcoming game, but it is not going to make things any easier for them. They secured three wins in eight UCL games of the league phase. Olympiacos FC must use this first-leg to their advantage so that they can build pressure on their opponents.

Bayer Leverkusen have performed well in their last five matches and will be keen to keep their momentum flowing here. Being away from home for their next UEFA Champions League outing can build some pressure on one of them, but they will be confident due to their current run of form.

Kick-off:

• Location: Piraeus, Greece
• Stadium: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium
• Date: Thursday, February 19
• Kick-off Time: 01:30 a.m. IST (Wednesday, Feb 18; 08:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Joao Pinheiro
• VAR: In use

Form:

Olympiacos: W-D-W-L-D

Leverkusen: W-W-W-D-W

Players to Watch

Gelson Martins (Olympiacos)

Gelson Martins is going to be an important aspect of the squad, both in the midfield and the attacking front. In seven UEFA Champions League appearances this season, he has scored three goals and will be eager to add more to his tally. A top performance from him might help Thrylos outplay the visitors.

Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)

Patrik Schick was one of the goal scorers for Bayer Leverkusen in their last league game and will play an important role in the attacking front once again. He is going to lead his side in the attacking front and will be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence with the ball at his feet.

Patrik makes no mistake when the cross is like that 🔥🎯 pic.twitter.com/Sxn2t3FCDh

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) February 16, 2026

Match Facts

• Bayer Leverkusen are undefeated in their last six matches.
• Olympicos FC have only won two of their last five games.
• The Werkself have won only one of their three meetings against Thrylos.

Olympiacos vs Leverkusen: Betting Tips and Odds

• Bayer Leverkusen to win @15/8 BetFred
• Patrik Schick to score @19/10 Virgin Bet
• Goals under 3.5 @7/19 Unibet

Injury and Team News

Olympiacos FC will miss out on the services of Theofanis Bakoulas. He is injured.

Nathan Tella, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Mark Flekken will sit out of action for Bayer Leverkusen due to their injuries. Naba Mensah is suspended.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 3

Olympiacos won: 2

Leverkusen won: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Olympiacos predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Tzolakis (GK); Rodinei, Biancone, Retsos, Onyemaechi; Hezze, Mouzakitis; Andre Luiz, Chiquinho, Martins; El Kaabi

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Blaswich (GK); Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Vázquez, Palacios, García, Grimaldo; Tillman, Poku; Schick

Match Prediction

The hosts will be looking to take the advantage, but the Werkself will bring a strong fight. Bayer Leverkusen are likely to come out on top to secure a win against Olympiacos FC in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash.

Prediction: Olympiacos 1-2 Leverkusen

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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