Bayer Leverkusen Advances to Last 16 of Champions League
Bayer Leverkusen secured their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League following a scoreless draw against Olympiacos at the BayArena on Tuesday, winning their playoff round tie 2-0 on aggregate.
The match, while tightly contested, saw both teams struggle to create significant scoring opportunities. Leverkusen managed only six shots, with one on target, while Olympiacos recorded five shots, also with one on target. The possession was slightly in favor of Olympiacos at 53% compared to Leverkusen’s 47%.
This advancement marks a significant achievement for Leverkusen, as it is their first progression through a two-legged Champions League knockout tie since reaching the final in 2002, where they were defeated by Real Madrid.
Despite the qualification, Leverkusen’s performance drew criticism from players and coaching staff. Captain Robert Andrich expressed frustration over the team’s sluggish play, stating, “The game didn’t go at all like we’d imagined. Too sluggish — really the only positive is that we kept a clean sheet and we’re through to the next round.” Midfielder Jonas Hofmann echoed these sentiments, suggesting that coach Kasper Hjulmand would likely reflect on the performance with disappointment.
Looking ahead, Bayer Leverkusen will face either Premier League leaders Arsenal or German champions Bayern Munich in the next round. Last season, Bayern eliminated Leverkusen at the same stage, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their potential matchup.
