Olympiacos Piraeus boosted their slim hopes of reaching the Champions League playoffs with a stunning 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
The win, their second consecutive in the competition, lifted the Greek side to 22nd on eight points, just one behind Leverkusen, who sit 19th. While the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, the next 16 enter the playoff stage.
Olympiacos struck early, with Rodinei delivering a precise corner that Costinha met with a powerful header to put the hosts ahead in the second minute.
Despite missing key players such as goalkeeper Mark Flekken, Edmond Tapsoba, and Nathan Tella, Leverkusen gradually found rhythm, creating several chances in the first half.
However, Olympiacos goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis was equal to the task, making multiple crucial saves.
The Greeks doubled their lead just before halftime. A swift two-pass counter saw Iran international Mehdi Taremi finish clinically off another Rodinei assist, leaving Leverkusen stunned going into the break.
Leverkusen dominated possession after the restart, yet they could not break through Tzolakis, who denied substitute Patrik Schick in a one-on-one in the 80th minute.
Next up, Olympiacos travel to face Ajax Amsterdam, while Bayer Leverkusen host Villarreal in the final round of the group stage.
