Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction 20.01.2026 | UEFA Champions League

Olympiacos head into this pivotal Matchday 7 encounter sitting 29th in the 36-team league-phase standings, fully aware that any dropped points could severely damage their hopes of reaching the knockout play-offs.

After enduring a winless start to the campaign across their opening five fixtures (D2 L3), the Greek champions finally tasted European success last time out, leaning on their experience to edge past a resilient Kairat Almaty with a narrow 1-0 victory. That result has kept them within touching distance of progression, leaving them just two points adrift of the final qualifying spot.

While Olympiacos have been formidable at the Karaiskakis Stadium domestically—boasting an unbeaten home record of seven wins and one draw, along with an imposing 21–4 goal difference—replicating that defensive solidity on the continental stage has proven far more challenging, as they have conceded an average of 2.17 goals per match in Europe.

The Piraeus-based side also face additional complications on the personnel front. Key forward Ayoub El Kaabi will miss this fixture as he represents his country in the AFCON final against Senegal, while left-back Bruno Onyemaechi remains doubtful due to international duty. Defensive pair Lorenzo Pirola and Pep Biel are also sidelined through injury, further testing Olympiacos’ depth on a night of huge importance.

On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen put their strong away record in the Champions League on the line as they travel to Greece, currently occupying 20th position in the overall standings with nine points earned from six challenges.

Kasper Hjulmand’s men have showcased both composure and tactical discipline on their travels in Europe this season, playing out an entertaining four-goal draw with Copenhagen and recording two notable away victories — most notably a stunning 2-0 triumph over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

However, their momentum has stalled on the domestic front, with Die Werkself heading into this crucial European encounter on the back of consecutive Bundesliga collapse against Stuttgart and Hoffenheim, conceding five goals across those two defeats.

In addition, Hjulmand faces significant selection headaches, as first-choice goalkeeper Mark Flekken remains sidelined alongside key figures Edmond Tapsoba, Exequiel Palacios, and Nathan Tella through injury, while captain Robert Andrich will miss the trip due to suspension.