Patrik Schick's rapid double powered Bayer Leverkusen to a commanding 2-0 victory over Olympiakos Piraeus in their UEFA Champions League clash at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
Leverkusen secured a crucial away win, with Schick delivering two decisive goals within minutes in the second half. This result gives them a significant advantage going into the return leg.
Bayer Leverkusen arrived in Greece with strong European form, showcasing recent wins and draws. Meanwhile, Olympiakos had experienced a mixed run of results, keen to leverage their passionate home support against the German visitors.
The first half saw both teams cautious. Olympiakos' A. El Kaabi received an early yellow card in the 13th minute for a foul. Leverkusen sought to establish their control, patiently building attacks.
The visitors held more of the ball, commanding 57% possession throughout the half. Despite this, clear-cut chances were scarce at both ends of the pitch.
Just before the break, Olympiakos believed they had taken the lead through M. Taremi. However, the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review in the 45th minute, keeping the score level. Leverkusen's A. Garcia also picked up a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
At halftime, the match remained goalless. Both sides knew they needed to increase their attacking intensity. Olympiakos hoped to find a way past the organized Leverkusen defense, while the Germans aimed to translate their possession into goals.
The second half began with Olympiakos making an early change, L. Pirola replacing G. Biancone in the 46th minute. The home side pushed forward, but it was Leverkusen who found the breakthrough.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 60th minute. Patrik Schick drilled a shot past Konstantinos Tzolakis, following a clever assist from Ernest Poku. The goal energized the visitors.
Just three minutes later, Schick struck again. Alejandro Grimaldo delivered a pinpoint pass, and Schick expertly guided the ball home for his second goal in the 63rd minute. This quickfire double stunned the home crowd.
Olympiakos responded with multiple substitutions, bringing on D. Podence and M. Taremi in the 64th minute to try and spark a comeback. Leverkusen also made changes, including I. Maza entering the fray.
Leverkusen then managed the game effectively, protecting their two-goal lead. They restricted Olympiakos's attempts, with the home side struggling to create significant scoring opportunities in the final stages.
Key statistics highlighted Leverkusen's clinical edge. They boasted an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.95 compared to Olympiakos's 0.87. Leverkusen registered 5 shots on goal from 8 total attempts, while Olympiakos managed only 1 shot on target from 13 total efforts.
