Bruno Onyemaechi’s Olympiacos will be aiming to overturn a two-goal deficit when they face Bayer Leverkusen in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoff on Tuesday.
The Greek giants head to the BayArena trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Piraeus, where they suffered a disappointing setback on home soil. After a tightly contested first half, Leverkusen struck twice in quick succession through Patrik Schick, who netted two goals within three minutes in the second half to silence the home crowd.
Onyemaechi did not start the encounter but was introduced in the 82nd minute as Olympiacos searched for a late response that never came.
That result leaves the Greek side with a mountain to climb in Germany. To keep their Champions League dream alive, Olympiacos must win by at least two goals to force extra time, while a three-goal victory would secure a dramatic qualification to the round of 16.
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The task, however, will not be straightforward. Leverkusen have been formidable at home this season, losing just four of their 16 matches across all competitions at the BayArena and claiming nine victories in that run.
Yet Olympiacos can draw confidence from their own impressive away form. In 17 matches on the road this campaign, they have suffered only three defeats while recording 10 wins, a record that offers hope of a potential fightback.
For Onyemaechi, the clash represents another opportunity to show his quality. The Nigerian fullback has featured 18 times across all competitions this season, including four appearances in the Champions League, but he is still awaiting his first start in the competition.
With the odds heavily tilted in Leverkusen’s favour, Olympiacos will need to produce one of the greatest European comebacks in their history if they are to extend their stay in the Champions League
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