The German side were ultimately carried by a ruthless second-half brace from Patrik Schick, whose clinical finishing punished Olympiacos after a competitive first hour that could have swung either way.
Olympiacos began with aggression, pushing high up the pitch and trying to unsettle Leverkusen’s build-up through the energy of Gelson Martins and Mehdi Taremi in attack. The hosts’ early pressing forced a few uncomfortable moments for goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, while Leverkusen attempted to settle through possession via Aleix García and Robert Andrich in midfield.
One of the defining moments of the first half came in the 34th minute when Olympiacos defenders Panagiotis Retsos and Lorenzo Pirola collided heads while attempting to clear a dangerous delivery into the penalty area. Both players required lengthy medical attention, with visible blood forcing shirt changes and temporarily halting the match. The stoppage disrupted momentum for both sides and added tension inside the stadium.
Despite the interruption, Olympiacos continued to threaten. Ayoub El Kaabi thought he had given the Greek side the lead before halftime when he finished from close range after a scramble in the box, but VAR intervened to rule the goal out for offside, a decision that proved pivotal in the context of the match.
Leverkusen also created opportunities before the break, particularly through Ibrahim Maza and Ernest Poku on the flanks, but goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis produced several solid saves to keep the scores level at halftime.
The turning point arrived just after the hour mark.
In the 60th minute, Leverkusen struck first. A well-timed forward move allowed the ball to reach Schick inside the penalty area, and the Czech striker showed composure to slot past Tzolakis with a precise finish into the corner.
Before Olympiacos could recover, the visitors struck again only three minutes later.
From a set-piece situation, Schick reacted quickest inside the box, directing another finish past the goalkeeper to complete his brace in devastating fashion. Two goals in three minutes completely transformed the match and stunned the home crowd.
The double not only gave Leverkusen control but also showcased the striker’s elite movement and positioning — qualities that proved decisive in a tight contest.
After taking the lead, Leverkusen shifted into a more controlled approach.
Defenders Loïc Badé and Jarell Quansah marshalled the defensive line effectively, while Alejandro Grimaldo provided balance down the flank with his experience and positioning.
Olympiacos attempted to respond through substitutions, introducing fresh legs such as Giulian Biancone and Bruno Onyemaechi, but clear chances were limited as Leverkusen’s structure held firm.
The visitors nearly extended their advantage late on when Schick chased a potential hat-trick opportunity, but Tzolakis prevented further damage with another strong save.
Leverkusen finished with superior control in key metrics, including possession and shots on target, reflecting their growing dominance as the match progressed.
Schick was unquestionably the man of the match, but strong contributions also came from García’s midfield composure and Andrich’s defensive work.
For Olympiacos, Tzolakis goalkeeping and the attacking energy of Gelson Martins stood out despite the defeat.
The 2–0 victory gives Bayer Leverkusen a commanding advantage heading into the second leg, putting them firmly on course for progression to the next round of the Champions League.
For Olympiacos, the challenge now becomes enormous. They must overturn a two-goal deficit against a disciplined and confident German side, a task that will require both tactical bravery and clinical finishing in the return fixture.
Still, the tie is not completely over. The Greek champions showed enough quality in phases to suggest they can compete, but they will need far greater efficiency in front of goal if they are to mount a comeback.
One thing is certain: after a night of blood, drama, VAR controversy, and ruthless finishing, this Champions League clash delivered the kind of intensity expected at Europe’s highest level.
