What Happened
Bayer Leverkusen will host Olympiacos in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie at the BayArena, having secured a 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg played in Athens. The match is scheduled for February 24, with kickoff at 3:00 PM ET. Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick scored both goals in the first leg, giving the German side a significant advantage.
Why It Matters
This match is crucial for both teams, as it determines who advances to the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Leverkusen enters the game as the favorite, with betting markets indicating a strong likelihood of over 2.5 goals due to Olympiacos needing to chase the game. Despite their lead, Leverkusen remains cautious, having previously lost to Olympiacos in the league phase.
What’s Next
Leverkusen aims to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the next round, while Olympiacos must adopt an aggressive strategy to overturn the deficit. Injuries may impact Leverkusen’s lineup, with key players like central defender Loic Balde and goalkeeper Mark Flekken unavailable. The outcome of this match will significantly influence both teams’ seasons moving forward.