Leverkusen held by Olympiacos | OneFootball

Olympiacos kept their Champions League hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, thanks to first-half strikes from Costinha and Mehdi Taremi.

The Greek side took the lead inside two minutes when Costinha powered home a header at the near post from Rodinei’s corner.

Leverkusen nearly responded immediately, but Lucas Vazquez missed a gilt-edged chance from six yards. That miss proved costly as Taremi doubled the advantage shortly after, calmly finishing Rodinei’s through ball.

The victory puts Olympiacos just one point behind Leverkusen in the battle for February’s knockout play-offs.

Both sides now need wins in their final group games to progress: Olympiacos travel to Ajax, while Leverkusen host already-eliminated Villarreal.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Olympiakos takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Costinha scores with a powerful header from just a few yards out, directing the ball into the bottom left corner. The assist comes from Rodinei, who delivered a precise cross after a corner kick.

2':

GOAL Olympiacos: Costinha (Olympiacos) scores!

Costinha scores goal number 1 in the competition (6 matches)

15':

Missed opportunity! Christos Mouzakitis from Olympiakos took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes wide to the right. Chiquinho provided the assist.

18':

Missed opportunity! Robert Andrich from Bayer 04 Leverkusen took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area after a corner kick, but it went wide.

25':

Missed opportunity. Christian Kofane from Bayer 04 Leverkusen took a right-footed shot from just a short distance.

37':

Missed opportunity! Mehdi Taremi from Olympiakos took a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area but couldn't find the target.

Olympiakos leads 2-0 against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Mehdi Taremi scores with a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area after a swift counterattack.

45 +1':

GOAL Olympiacos: Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) scores!

Mehdi Taremi scores goal number 2 in the competition (7 matches)

47':

Missed opportunity! Ibrahim Maza from Bayer 04 Leverkusen took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it didn't hit the target.

57':

Missed opportunity! Chiquinho from Olympiakos took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area following a direct free kick, but it went wide.

63':

Missed opportunity! Francisco Ortega from Olympiakos took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match