Bayer Leverkusen progressed to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after a goalless draw with Olympiacos secured a 2-0 aggregate victory in their knockout phase play off tie.
The German club’s result at the BayArena followed their 2-0 win in Greece in the first leg. The outcome extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten record against Greek opposition in European competition to five matches, with three wins and two draws.
Patrik Schick, who scored twice in the first leg, came close to adding another goal inside the opening five minutes. His header drifted narrowly wide of the far post following an early attacking move.
Olympiacos responded with increased possession as the first half progressed. However, they did not register a shot on target before the interval, leaving Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich largely untested.
Shortly after the restart, Gelson Martins produced Olympiacos’ first effort on target. His low strike was saved by Blaswich, who reacted quickly to deny the winger. Martins threatened again after the hour mark, but his attempt deflected wide.
At the other end, Alex Grimaldo struck the woodwork as Leverkusen sought to extend their advantage. Despite periods of pressure from the visitors, clear scoring opportunities remained limited.
Olympiacos’ final attempt to alter the outcome came when Lorenzo Scipioni fired a long range effort wide in the closing stages. Leverkusen maintained their defensive structure to secure their fifth clean sheet of the current European campaign.
The result confirms Bayer Leverkusen’s place in the Champions League round of 16, where they will face either Bayern Munich or Arsenal. Olympiacos exit the competition at the knockout phase play off stage.
