SOCCER: Olympiacos power past Leverkusen 2-0 to keep alive qualifying hopes

ATHENS — Olympiacos Piraeus stunned Bayer Leverkusen with a 2-0 win in the Champions League on Tuesday, keeping their slim hopes alive for a playoff spot ahead of next week’s final matchday of the group stage.

The victory marked Olympiacos’ second straight win in the competition and lifted them to 22nd place with eight points, just one point behind Leverkusen, who sit at 19th. The top eight teams earn automatic qualification for the round of 16, while the next 16 teams advance to the playoffs.

Desperate for points to finish in the top 24, Olympiacos got off to a dream start. In the second minute, Rodinei delivered a corner into the box and Costinha powered a header to give the hosts an early lead.

Leverkusen, missing key players including goalkeeper Mark Flekken, Edmond Tapsoba, and Nathan Tella, gradually took control and created several chances late in the first half. However, Olympiacos goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis repeatedly came to the rescue with crucial saves.

Instead, it was Olympiacos who scored again. The Greeks hit Leverkusen with a quick two-pass counterattack, and Iran international Mehdi Taremi drilled in from another Rodinei assist during first-half stoppage time.

Leverkusen tried to respond after halftime, but despite controlling possession, they could not find a way past Tzolakis. The goalkeeper made another impressive save in the 80th minute, stopping a one-on-one chance from substitute Patrik Schick.

Olympiacos will travel to Ajax Amsterdam in their final group match, while Bayer Leverkusen will host Villarreal.

-Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters