Bayer 04 vs. Olympiacos: Match Facts and Insights

Overview of the Encounter

Bayer 04 Leverkusen is set to clash with Olympiacos, a match that promises to be thrilling given the historical context and current form of both teams.

Match Facts

Bayer 04 have faced Olympiacos twice in the UEFA Champions League, with noteworthy outcomes. In the 2002/03 group stage, after a painful 6-2 away defeat, Leverkusen rebounded to win 2-0 at home, thanks to goals from Juan and Bernd Schneider. This resilience has become a hallmark of the team, as they have won 14 of their last 19 European matches against opponents outside the top five European leagues, remaining unbeaten in that span.

Defensive Strength of Bayer 04

Under the stewardship of Kasper Hjulmand, Bayer 04 boasts a robust Champions League defense, conceding just two goals in their last three matches—the fourth-fewest in this year’s competition. This defensive solidity will be crucial as they aim to secure their first win in four away games in Greece.

Key Players to Watch

1. Aleix Garcia: Known for delivering line-breaking passes, his performance could be the catalyst for Bayer 04, reigniting their attack against Olympiacos.

2. Panagiotis Retsos: The captain of Olympiacos returns to face his former club. His experience from his time at Bayer 04 (2017-2022) adds an intriguing narrative to the match.

Focus on Olympiacos

After a narrow 1-0 victory against Kairat Almaty, Olympiacos appears to be regrouping, coming off a challenging sequence that included near-misses against Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. Despite their recent struggles in the Greek cup competition, the Red and Whites continue to find success outside of the UEFA Champions League. Their triumph in the UEFA Conference League in 2024 and domestic double reinforces their strength.

Experience in the Squad

The team’s captain, Retsos, leads a squad rich in experience with players like Gelson Martins, Daniel Podence, and striker Mehdi Taremi, who bring invaluable experience from top European leagues. This wealth of seasoned talent could be what the Greek side needs to overcome Bayer 04.

Internal Navigation

• Match Facts
• Defensive Strength of Bayer 04
• Focus on Olympiacos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical performance of Bayer 04 against Olympiacos?

Bayer 04 has previously faced Olympiacos twice in the Champions League, winning once at home following a heavy defeat.

How has Bayer 04 performed recently in European competitions?

Bayer 04 has secured 14 victories out of the last 19 matches against teams outside the top five European leagues, indicating strong form.

Who are key players for Olympiacos to watch in the upcoming match?

Key players include captain Panagiotis Retsos and experienced players like Mehdi Taremi, Gelson Martins, and Daniel Podence.

What does Bayer 04 need to focus on to secure a win?

Bayer 04 must leverage its solid defense and find creative solutions through its midfield, particularly utilizing players like Aleix Garcia for effective passes to break down Olympiacos’ defense.

Link