Olympiacos vs Leverkusen Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Champions League Odds for Play-Off Leg 1
The Champions League knockout stages kick off with a intriguing encounter as Greek champions Olympiacos host German side Leverkusen at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT. This clash sees Olympiacos, who squeezed into the knockout phase, aiming to make history against a Leverkusen side that finished higher in the league phase but has a historically fragile European knockout pedigree.
OC Staff - February 18, 2026, 10:30 AM EST
3 Minute ReadOlympiacos vs Leverkusen: Lineups, Team News and Prediction
The Champions League knockout stages kick off with a intriguing encounter as Greek champions Olympiacos host German side Leverkusen at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT. This clash sees Olympiacos, who squeezed into the knockout phase, aiming to make history against a Leverkusen side that finished higher in the league phase but has a historically fragile European knockout pedigree.
Olympiacos vs Leverkusen Form
Olympiacos come into this crucial European fixture following a goalless draw away to Levadiakos in the Super League. Their last six matches across all competitions show a mixed bag of results: a 0-0 draw, a 0-1 home loss to Panathinaikos, a convincing 0-3 away win against Asteras Tripolis, a 1-1 draw with AEK Athens, a 1-2 away victory at Ajax in the Champions League, and a 1-0 home win against NFC Volos. This run includes an impressive three-match winning streak in the Champions League, scoring in six consecutive European fixtures.
Leverkusen arrive in Greece after a dominant 4-0 home victory over St. Pauli in the Bundesliga. Their recent form is strong, with their last six results including the 4-0 win, a 1-1 draw at Borussia Monchengladbach, a 3-0 DFB-Pokal win against St. Pauli, a 1-3 away win at Eintracht Frankfurt, a 3-0 home Champions League victory over Villarreal, and a 1-0 home win against Werder Bremen. The German side is currently unbeaten in six matches across all competitions, having netted 15 goals in that impressive run.
Olympiacos vs Leverkusen Head to Head
The most recent meeting between these two teams took place just last month in the Champions League, where Olympiacos secured a 2-0 home victory over Leverkusen.
In their limited history, these two clubs have met three times in the Champions League. Olympiacos hold the upper hand with two wins, while Leverkusen have managed one victory. The previous results are: Olympiacos 2-0 Leverkusen (Jan 2026), Leverkusen 2-0 Olympiacos (Oct 2002), and Olympiacos 6-2 Leverkusen (Sep 2002).
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Olympiacos vs. Leverkusen Odds
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Olympiacos vs Leverkusen Probable Lineups
Olympiacos (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Tzolakis
- Defenders: Ortega (DL), Biancone (DC), Retsos (DC), Costinha (DR)
- Midfielders: Mouzakitis (DM), Hezze (DM), Martins (AML), Taremi (AMC), Rodinei (AMR)
- Forward: El Kaabi
Leverkusen (3-4-2-1):
- Goalkeeper: Blaswich
- Defenders: Badé (DC), Quansah (DC), Tapsoba (DC)
- Midfielders: Grimaldo (ML), García (MC), Palacios (MC), Vázquez (MR)
- Attacking Midfielders: Tillman (AM), Maza (AM)
- Forward: Schick
Olympiacos vs Leverkusen Team News
Olympiacos enter this fixture with a fully fit squad, as there are no reported missing players. José Luis Mendilibar is expected to field an aggressive 4-2-3-1, relying on the pressing and vertical attacks that define their style. Gelson Martins, a key figure with three Champions League goals, and Mehdi Taremi, who has been directly involved in four European goals, will be crucial.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, will be without N. Tella and E. B. Seghir, both sidelined with injuries. Kasper Hjulmand's 3-4-2-1 formation is built on control through passing, with Aleix García dictating tempo and Alejandro Grimaldo providing attacking impetus from wing-back. Patrik Schick leads the line, with Malik Tillman operating effectively between the lines.
Olympiacos vs Leverkusen Match Facts
- There are no specific match facts available for this fixture.
Prediction: Olympiacos 2-1 Leverkusen
Karaiskakis Stadium has forged a reputation as a formidable venue for visiting teams in the Champions League, and Olympiacos arrive with genuine belief, buoyed by a three-match winning streak in the competition, including a notable 2-1 victory at Ajax. Their momentum is undeniable, having scored in six consecutive European fixtures.
Leverkusen, despite finishing higher in the league phase, have a historically shaky record in European knockout ties, with only two wins in 19 matches at this stage. While their recent form is impressive, including a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions, their away record against Greek opposition is poor, with no victory since 1993 and failing to score in three of their last four visits.
The match presents a clear stylistic contrast. Olympiacos favour an aggressive, high-pressing approach, leading the league phase in pressures in the opposition half and forcing numerous high turnovers. They thrive on creating early chances from turnovers rather than sustained possession. Leverkusen, conversely, excel in patient possession and structured build-up, aiming to control the rhythm of the game. The hosts' ability to ignite the atmosphere and force errors, especially early on, could prove decisive.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score - Yes (-130) Check out the best odds on Caesars Sportsbook
Given Olympiacos's scoring record in Europe (scoring in six consecutive European fixtures) and Leverkusen's strong attacking form (15 goals in their last six matches across all competitions), both teams finding the back of the net seems highly probable. While Olympiacos will press hard, Leverkusen's technical quality and attacking talent, particularly from players like Grimaldo and Schick, should allow them to break through. A 2-1 prediction leans towards both teams scoring, making this a valuable betting angle.
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