Bayer Leverkusen booked their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after playing out a tense 0–0 draw against Olympiacos in the second leg of their playoff tie. The German side advanced comfortably on aggregate thanks to their 2–0 first-leg victory in Greece, where Patrik Schick’s decisive brace ultimately proved enough to separate the teams across both fixtures.
Despite the absence of goals in the return leg, the match still provided moments of intensity, tactical discipline, and flashes of attacking quality, particularly from the hosts, who looked determined to finish the tie with authority in front of their supporters.
Knowing they carried a two-goal cushion into the game, Leverkusen approached proceedings with composure rather than urgency. Their tactical setup prioritized defensive structure and midfield control, limiting Olympiacos’ opportunities to create clear chances while remaining capable of threatening on the counterattack.
Olympiacos, on the other hand, were forced into a more aggressive posture. The Greek side attempted to press higher up the pitch and move the ball quickly through midfield channels, hoping to disrupt Leverkusen’s rhythm and find an early breakthrough that could reignite the tie.
However, the opening stages produced few clear chances. Both teams managed attempts on goal, but defensive organization and cautious buildup meant neither goalkeeper was seriously tested in the early exchanges.
As the first half progressed, Leverkusen gradually established more control over possession. Their midfield combination dictated tempo effectively, while wing-back involvement helped stretch Olympiacos’ defensive shape.
Patrik Schick, the hero of the first leg, remained the focal point of Leverkusen’s attacking play. Although he found pockets of space, Olympiacos defenders stayed compact, limiting his shooting opportunities and forcing him into deeper areas.
Statistically, the game reflected its tight nature, with both sides registering seven shots each and only one effort on target apiece. Expected goals figures also highlighted the lack of clear-cut opportunities, reinforcing how cautious and tactically disciplined the contest remained.
The best chance of the half arguably fell to Leverkusen, but Olympiacos’ defensive line recovered quickly to deny any meaningful attempt before the interval.
The second half began with greater urgency from Olympiacos, who understood time was running out to overturn the deficit. Their attacking transitions became quicker, with wide players attempting to stretch Leverkusen’s defensive block and create crossing opportunities.
Despite this increased pressure, Leverkusen’s defensive organization held firm. Their backline remained compact, and midfielders tracked runners diligently, preventing Olympiacos from generating the kind of chances needed to threaten the aggregate scoreline.
Leverkusen nearly produced the game’s defining moment midway through the half when Álex Grimaldo struck the woodwork, a reminder of the Bundesliga side’s attacking threat even in a controlled performance.
Olympiacos continued to push forward late in the match, but their attacks often lacked the final precision required to beat the Leverkusen goalkeeper, who made key interventions when called upon.
Ultimately, the match became more about game management than spectacle. Leverkusen showed maturity by balancing defensive security with selective attacking intent, ensuring they never allowed Olympiacos back into the tie.
Their defensive record at home has been particularly impressive, with this result marking another clean sheet in front of their fans and underlining their growing European credentials this season.
Olympiacos deserve credit for their resilience and organization, but their inability to convert pressure into goals meant they were unable to challenge Leverkusen’s aggregate advantage.
While the second leg ended without goals, the tie itself was effectively decided during the first meeting in Greece. Patrik Schick’s quickfire double, scored within minutes of each other after the hour mark, provided Leverkusen with the cushion they needed to manage the return fixture confidently.
Those goals not only secured control of the tie but also highlighted Schick’s importance to Leverkusen’s attacking system. His movement, positioning, and clinical finishing remain central to the team’s European ambitions.
With qualification secured, Leverkusen now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where tougher challenges await. The German side have shown tactical flexibility, defensive solidity, and moments of attacking brilliance throughout the tie, qualities that could make them dangerous opponents for any team in the next stage.
For Olympiacos, elimination marks the end of their Champions League campaign, but their performances across the two legs demonstrated competitiveness and resilience against high-level opposition.
