Bayer Leverkusen produced a disciplined and composed performance to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16, holding Olympiacos to a goalless draw at the BayArena and completing a 2-0 aggregate victory. The result extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten record against Greek opposition in European competition to five matches, with three wins and two draws.
Having laid the foundation with an impressive away victory in Greece, Bayer Leverkusen approached the second leg with clarity and control. Early on, it looked as though they might put the tie beyond doubt. Patrik Schick, who scored both goals in the first leg, came within inches of adding another inside the opening five minutes. His glancing header narrowly missed the far post of goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, a warning sign for the visitors.
From that point, the home side shifted into a compact and organised defensive structure. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand’s tactical approach focused on limiting space and forcing Olympiacos into wide areas. The Greek champions responded by increasing their share of possession as the first half progressed, but they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Despite enjoying periods of control, Olympiacos failed to test Janis Blaswich before the break. Their lack of cutting edge left coach José Luis Mendilibar with difficult decisions at halftime, as his side required a strong response to keep their European hopes alive.
The visitors emerged with greater urgency after the restart. Within five minutes, Gelson Martins registered their first shot on target, attempting to surprise Blaswich with a powerful low effort. The goalkeeper reacted sharply, diving to his right to deny the winger and preserve Leverkusen’s advantage.
Martins remained Olympiacos’ most dangerous outlet. Just after the hour mark, he again threatened with a low strike that deflected wide. Moments later, Leverkusen reminded their opponents of their own attacking quality when Álex Grimaldo struck the woodwork at the other end.
As time passed, Olympiacos’ belief in a comeback began to fade. Their final attempt came in the closing stages when Lorenzo Scipioni fired wide from distance, summing up a frustrating night in front of goal.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, remained calm and organised throughout. Their defensive discipline delivered a fifth clean sheet in this season’s European campaign, underlining their growing maturity on the continental stage. The German side now look ahead to the knockout rounds, where a high profile clash awaits against either Bayern Munich or Arsenal.
For Leverkusen, the performance reflected a team capable of adapting to the demands of knockout football. Solid at the back and clinical when required, they showed the control and patience needed to progress in Europe’s elite competition.
