Olympiakos vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Champions League Preview, Team News & Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen will be seeking to turn their fortunes around as they prepare for a crucial Champions League match against Olympiakos Piraeus in the Greek capital. This encounter on Matchday 7 comes after a challenging start to the year for Leverkusen, which has seen them struggle in the Bundesliga.
Recent Performance of Bayer Leverkusen
January has proven difficult for the German side. They suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against VfB Stuttgart, followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to TSG Hoffenheim. In addition, their scheduled match against Hamburger SV was postponed. Despite these setbacks, they remain within three points of the Champions League qualification spots.
Key Players Missing
Leverkusen’s head coach, Kasper Hjulmand, will face challenges fielding his best squad. Key players including Mark Flekken and Edmond Tapsoba are out due to recent injuries. Other unavailable players include:
- Eliesse Ben Seghir (ankle injury)
- Nathan Tella (foot injury)
- Axel Tape (muscle injury)
Olympiakos Piraeus: A Strong Opponent
Olympiakos enters this match with confidence. They have had an impressive record at home, with their Karaiskakis Stadium only witnessing victories for Real Madrid and PAOK this season. Manager José Luis Mendilibar recognizes the importance of this match. A win against Leverkusen could significantly enhance their chances of advancing in the tournament.
Team News for Olympiakos
Olympiakos will need to adjust their lineup due to injuries. Goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis is sidelined with a calf injury. Konstantinos Tzolakis is expected to take his place. Also, Lorenzo Pirola is a doubtful participant with a muscle injury.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of This Match
The clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Olympiakos Piraeus is critical for both teams’ aspirations in the Champions League. Simon Rolfes, a key figure in Leverkusen’s coaching staff, has emphasized the importance of the match, anticipating a vibrant and heated atmosphere in the stadium.
This encounter could very well define their respective seasons in the prestigious tournament. With much at stake, both teams are poised to deliver an exhilarating showdown that fans will not want to miss.
