It was a Patrik Schick brace that ensured Leverkusen had a two goal advantage over Olympiacos going into the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoffs at the BayArena in Leverkusen tonight.
Olympiacos had the home advantage in the 1st leg but could not capitalise. The BayArena is nothing short of a fortress for the former Bundesliga Champions, which is going to make it tougher for the Greeks.
Bayer Leverkusen had a bit of a slip after their victory over Olympiacos last week, when they lost to Union Berlin by a solitary Khedira goal and hence would be looking to bounce back with an emphatic win over Olympiacos.
Leverkusen with fire power upfront in Schick, Kofane, Tillman and Maza are surely a superior side to the Greeks, but the dark horses have El Kaabi and Taremi in their side which can create a few headaches for Leverkusen on the break. Moreover Olympiacos beat Panetolikos on the weekend which should serve as good motivation for the Greeks.
The 2-0 deficit for Olympiacos to overturn at the BayArena is a tough call. Leverkusen are favourites and have already a tie hold in the round of 16.
Can the Greeks turn the tables ?