Costinha and Mehdi Taremi renewed Olympiacos’ hope of reaching the Champions League playoffs in a 2-0 win over German invincibles Bayer Leverkusen.
The hosts struck in just the second minute before Taremi put them in control in first-half stoppage time.
Leverkusen, now 20th in the table and in danger of dropping out of the playoff places, couldn’t muster a response, with the hosts targeting a first appearance in the round of 16 in over a decade.
As It Happened
The match got off to a strong start, with the hosts taking the lead with their first real chance. Rodinei swung in the opening corner and Costinha rose highest to head the ball into the net.
The hosts continued to press aggressively high up the pitch, making it difficult for Leverkusen to build any rhythm in possession throughout the match.
After ten minutes, Loïc Badé had an opportunity to equalise from a corner, but Konstantinos Tzolakis reacted brilliantly to keep the ball out
The next big chance also belonged to the German team. Vazquez played a quick one-two with Fernandez, who once again failed to beat Tzolakis’ strong reflexes.
Leverkusen came close twice shortly before half-time. A sharp delivery from Alejandro Grimaldo found Lucas Vázquez unmarked in front of goal, but he failed to make clean contact.
Moments later, Kofane was denied by another outstanding save from Tzolakis, before Grimaldo’s follow-up was also kept out.
Olympiacos, aiming for a shot at just a first time in 12 years in the knockouts, punished those missed chances. Rodinei set up Taremi on the counter, who hammered the ball into the net.
Leverkusen started the second half well. Ibrahim Maza fired a shot from a tight angle, but Tzolakis was again equal to it.
The visitors were constantly in Olympiakos half but couldn’t create any further chances against the strong defence.
Leverkusen lost their third consecutive game in all competitions and now face a nervous fight to reach the round of 16 playoff round.