Bayer Leverkusen took a major step towards the Champions League round of 16 by defeating Olympiakos Piraeus 2-0 away from home. The hero of the match was Patrik Schick, who scored twice in just three minutes. This victory has a special taste for coach Kasper Hjulmand's team, as it represents successful revenge for a defeat suffered at the same stadium during the league phase of the competition.

Patrik Schick's Brace

Czech striker Patrik Schick scored two goals in the 60th and 63rd minutes, securing a valuable away victory for Bayer over Olympiakos.

Injuries in Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund must cope without Schlotterbeck, Can, and Süle for Saturday's match against RB Leipzig due to health reasons.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Success

The women's team of Eintracht Frankfurt defeated FC Nordsjaelland 3-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the international Europa Cup competition.

German Bayer Leverkusen broke the resistance of Greek Olympiakos Piraeus in the first leg of the play-off phase of the Champions League. Although the first half of the match in the cauldron of the Karaiskakis stadium did not produce any goals, the visitors dominated their rivals in the second part of the match. The key moment turned out to be a two-minute spell of play after an hour of the match. Patrik Schick first capitalized on a through ball from Ernest Poku, then increased the lead with a header from a corner kick. This victory puts Werkself in an extremely comfortable position ahead of the return leg at their home stadium. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund is grappling with squad problems ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga summit clash against RB Leipzig. Coach Niko Kovac confirmed that a quartet of defenders is ruled out: Nico Schlotterbeck, Emre Can, Niklas Süle, and Filippo Mané. Schlotterbeck's absence is motivated by a precautionary measure due to recurring muscle problems. Earlier, BVB defeated Atalanta Bergamo 2-0 in their play-off match, giving German clubs a strong chance of a full set of advancements to the round of 16. Since the competition reform in 2024, the play-off phase has replaced the traditional round of 32, introducing new dynamics into the European cup calendar. In the shadow of the men's struggles, the women's team of Eintracht Frankfurt achieved success, advancing to the semifinals of the inaugural edition of the UEFA Women's Europa Cup after a 3-2 victory over FC Nordsjaelland. The match in Denmark confirmed the high form of the Frankfurt women, who won the two-legged tie by a convincing 7:2 aggregate. Now the German team awaits the semifinal draw, being one of the favorites for the ultimate triumph in these new competitions. „It would be very bad news if Florian Wirtz wasn't following our European exploits after his move to Liverpool.” — Robert Andrich144 seconds — this is how much time separated Patrik Schick's two goals in PiraeusResults of the First Leg Champions League Play-offs: Olympiakos Pireus 0:2 Bayer Leverkusen; Borussia Dortmund 2:0 Atalanta Bergamo; Bodø/Glimt 1:0 Inter MilanKey Moments of the Match in Piraeus: February 18, 21:00 — Match Kick-off; February 18, 22:15 — Schick's First Goal; February 18, 22:18 — Czech's Brace; February 18, 22:50 — End of Match

Mentioned People

  • Patrik Schick — Czech striker for Bayer Leverkusen, author of two goals in the match against Olympiakos.
  • Niko Kovac — Coach of Borussia Dortmund, who confirmed the absence of key defenders.
  • Robert Andrich — Captain of Bayer Leverkusen, commenting on Florian Wirtz's support.