Bayer Leverkusen's losing run continues in shock Olympiacos defeat

Bayer Leverkusen's UEFA Champions League knockout-round qualification chances took a knock as Die Werkself were undone by two first-half goals from Olympiacos.

Olympiacos 2-0 Leverkusen
Goals: 1-0 Retsos 5', 2-0 Taremi 45'+1 (assist: Rodinei)

Leverkusen arrived in Greece knowing that victory would secure their place in the Champions League play-offs, but instead were left frustrated by a clinical Olympiacos side.

With nine points from their opening six matches, Kasper Hjulmand's men were sitting in 20th position before kick-off - enough to qualify for the knockout stages - while the hosts were desperate to close the gap on the qualification spots with just five points to their name. 

Leverkusen struggled to create chances in another disappointing performance. - ANGELOS TZORTZINIS

Early setback

The visitors were stunned within the opening two minutes as Olympiacos struck from their first attack. Loïc Badé gave away a cheap corner under pressure, and the resulting delivery from Rodinei was met by the unmarked Costinha, who powered home a header from close range.

The early goal energised the home crowd, though Leverkusen gradually worked their way into the contest. Lucas Vázquez came close after excellent work from Ezequiel Fernández, but Konstantinos Tzolakis made a fine stop.

As half-time approached, Leverkusen pushed hard for an equaliser, with Christian Kofane twice going close. Yet just as the visitors seemed poised to level, they were hit by a devastating counter-attack in first-half stoppage time. Rodinei released Mehdi Taremi with a perfectly weighted pass, and the Iranian striker coolly slotted past Janis Blaswich to double Olympiacos' advantage at the break.

Mehdi Taremi's clinical finish just before the break seemingly knocked the confidence of the Leverkusen players. - AGGELOS NAKKAS

Frustration mounts

Hjulmand's side emerged for the second half with renewed determination, and Ibrahim Maza nearly pulled one back immediately when his powerful shot was saved by Tzolakis.

Despite enjoying more possession in dangerous areas, Leverkusen continued to be frustrated by a resolute Olympiacos defence, with former Leverkusen player Panagiotis Retsos making several important interventions.

The visitors' coach tried to change the dynamic by introducing Malik Tillman for Vázquez just before the hour mark, followed by further changes as Patrik Schick and Arthur replaced Kofane and Maza. The substitutions nearly paid dividends when Arthur found Schick completely unmarked in the box after 80 minutes, but the Czech striker shot straight at Tzolakis when he should have scored.

As the final whistle approached, Leverkusen launched a succession of attacks, but the home side held firm to secure a vital victory that breathes new life into their Champions League campaign while leaving Leverkusen with work to do in their final group match against Villarreal.

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