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18.02.2026Champions League

Matchday news #OLYB04: ‘Seize the chance for revenge’

Bayer 04 and Olympiacos had only met twice before the current UEFA Champions campaign. After the encounter on Matchday 7 of this season’s league phase, the Werkself travel to face the Greek side for the second time in just four weeks for the knockout play-off first leg. The Black and Reds were dominant for large spells in mid-January but lost 2-0 after missing a number of presentable chances. The Werkself aim to do better on Wednesday night to “seize the chance for revenge,” as managing director sport Simon Rolfes put it. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
Kurzpässe vor #OLYB04 Play-offs

The ‘SoD unplugged ticket’ succeeds the ‘tour pass’

Under the motto “Sound of Dreams – #aCROSS Europe 2025/26,” the Werkself are turning Europe’s elite club competition into a festival in the play-offs too – and the Bayer 04 fans can be there live! After the successful league phase with the corresponding tour pass and the subsequent raffle, attractive souvenirs in the form of stylish festival tickets await supporters at the Fanwelt in the south stand at the BayArena for the two matches against Olympiacos.

Club members can purchase these exclusively from 18 to 28 February, take part in the raffle using the QR code printed on the ticket and, with a little luck, soon get a record cover in the ‘Sound of Dreams’ look signed by a Werkself pro.

#OLYB04: Match facts

With about 72 percent possession, a pass rate of almost 86 percent and 17 shots to Olympiacos’ six. There was little on paper for the Werkself to complain about in terms of play in their last match in Athens, but the hosts came out on top due to superior efficiency. Boosted by the victories over Kairat and Bayer 04, Olympiacos went on to beat Ajax in their final league phase fixture and now have the chance to win four games in a row in the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. José Luis Mendilibar’s team might once again rely on their high and intense press, which they’ve mastered like no other side in the Champions League, boasting the most high ball wins in the competition so far (90).

The Black and Reds will aim to neutralise the press through control and precise passing. Aleix García might play a key role once again. The midfielder, who knows Olympiacos coach Mendilibar from their days at Spanish side Eibar, has played the most line-breaking passes (133) so far in the current Champions League campaign and will be looking to set up his teammates once again on Wednesday night.

Olympiacos in focus

The Greeks turned in strong displays towards the end of the league phase but can’t be satisfied with their recent performances in the domestic Super League. The Red and Whites, who have also been eliminated from the Greek Cup, have only won one of their last four matches. “We get nervous when we concede goals,” Mendilibar said after the most recent 1-0 defeat in the city derby against Panathinaikos. The Werkself will aim to cause unrest, but they’ll be up against a combative defence featuring Olympiacos captain and former Bayer 04 man Panagiotis Retsos once again. Our detailed opposition profile reveals how Olympiacos aim to overcome Bayer 04.

Robert Andrich und Panagiotis Retsos
Olympiacos captain Panagiotis Retsos (r.) will again face his former team, led by Robert Andrich.

500 travelling supporters

Around 500 Bayer 04 fans have made the trip to Athens once again to support the Werkself at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis.

Portuguese refereeing team

João Pinheiro will officiate a match involving the Werkself for the second time this Champions League campaign. Bayer 04 have very fond memories of the first such match, as they won 2-0 away at Manchester City on Matchday 5 of the league phase. Pinheiro’s assistants will be his compatriots Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia, with Tiago Martins, also from Portugal, in action as the VAR.

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