Bayer Leverkusen reached the Champions League last 16 after a 0-0 draw with Olympiacos, sealing a 2-0 aggregate win at the BayArena.
Bayer Leverkusen progressed into the Champions League last 16 after a 0-0 draw with Olympiacos. The result secured a 2-0 aggregate victory in the knockout playoff. Playing at the BayArena, Leverkusen entered the night with a comfortable cushion. Their priority was control rather than risk.
The hosts dominated possession the early exchanges. As the game progressed, Leverkusen sat deep and looked to counter. Olympiacos moved the ball patiently across midfield as they attempted to get back into the tie despite early tempo suggesting that the Bundesliga side were keen to kill momentum.
Leverkusen nearly extended their advantage inside four minutes. Patrik Schick glanced a header wide from Alejandro Grimaldo’s teasing cross. It was a familiar pattern from the first leg. The Czech forward again found space between the centre-backs.
Jonas Hofmann forced the only shot on target of the first half. His fourth-minute effort tested Konstantinos Tzolakis. Olympiacos responded cautiously and rarely committed numbers forward. The half ended goalless, which suited the hosts.
The Greek side emerged with more intent after the interval. Gelson Martins drove inside and forced Janis Blaswich into a full-stretch save. Moments later, a dangerous delivery narrowly missed Chiquinho in the box. It was Olympiacos’ best spell of the tie.
Leverkusen weathered the pressure calmly. Their defensive shape stayed compact. Midfield recovery runs limited second balls. The aggregate scoreline remained firmly in their favour.
The clearest chance of the night arrived midway through the second half. Grimaldo surged into the area and unleashed a fierce strike. The ball crashed against the crossbar and bounced clear. The BayArena rose in anticipation.
As the minutes ticked away, Leverkusen slowed the game and recycled possession. Schick later attempted an audacious lob in stoppage time. The ball drifted just wide, summing up the evening.
Grimaldo was Leverkusen’s most dangerous outlet throughout. His energy on the flank stretched Olympiacos repeatedly. Blaswich also impressed with decisive interventions. His save from Martins proved crucial.
Olympiacos showed discipline and resilience. Lorenzo Scipioni went close late on with a flashing effort. However, they never truly threatened the aggregate deficit. Leverkusen’s composure told in key moments.
Leverkusen registered seven shots on the night. Only one tested the goalkeeper. Their expected goals total remained a modest 0.69 while the away side only registered 0.21 xG. Olympiacos matched them for attempts but lacked precision.
The clean sheet extended Leverkusen’s strong home run. They have now gone five home matches without conceding in all competitions. It is their longest such streak since 2015. Defensive consistency has become a hallmark.
The German side will learn their last-16 opponents on Friday. They will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich. Both present significant challenges. The next round will be played next month.
For now, Leverkusen can reflect on a professional European performance. Back-to-back qualifications for the last 16 mark clear progress. The journey in this season’s Champions League continues.
