Leverkusen Achieves First Milestone in Victory Over Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen made a significant stride towards the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 with a decisive victory over Olympiacos. This match, held at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, showcased a brilliant performance, especially from Patrik Schick, who scored two crucial goals within just 144 seconds.
Match Highlights
Leverkusen faced a tough challenge from an aggressive Olympiacos side. Despite the early pressure from the home team, the German Bundesliga runners-up managed to control the game effectively, ultimately securing a two-goal lead.
Players and Statistics
- Patrik Schick: Scored a brace and was named ‘Player of the Match’. This marked his first Champions League double.
- Historical Significance: Schick became only the second player from Leverkusen to score twice in a knockout stage match, following Michael Ballack’s feat in 2001/02.
- Team Experience: The average age of Leverkusen’s starting XI was 28 years and 58 days, making it their oldest lineup in a Champions League match.
- Assist Stats: Ernest Poku assisted Schick’s first goal, marking Poku’s first assist in the competition.
- Recent Performance: Notably, all five of Schick’s goals in the Champions League have come between the 54th and 65th minutes.
Coaching Insight
Head coach Kasper Hjulmand praised Schick’s performance, highlighting his sharp finishing and valuable experience during high-pressure matches. Hjulmand noted the importance of Schick’s contribution to the team’s overall game plan.
Leverkusen will now look to capitalize on this advantage as they prepare for the return leg at home, having avenged a previous 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos just 29 days prior. The upcoming fixture promises to be an exciting conclusion to this knockout stage matchup.
