Olympiacos vs Real Madrid preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

The game is very important for both teams. Real Madrid are aiming to book their place in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Olympiacos are still searching for its first win of the group stage to stay in the race for European football.

Real Madrid are currently in 7th place in the overall League Phase standings with 9 points from 4 matches (3W, 1L). However, they have not been in top form lately. 

They have failed to win any of their last three games in all competitions. That includes a frustrating 2-2 draw against Elche in La Liga last weekend. Xabi Alonso’s team needs to bounce back quickly to avoid pressure going into the final group games.

Olympiacos come into this match in much better spirits domestically. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions. They also picked up a confident 3-0 win over Atromitos on Saturday, which keeps them top of the Greek Super League. 

But their Champions League journey has not gone well. They are currently 31st in the League Phase with just 2 points from 4 matches (2D, 2L), and they will need a strong finish to push for a top 24 spot.

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Real Madrid and Olympiacos have faced each other eight times in the UCL. Overall, Real Madrid has the edge with four wins (3D, 1L). But things change when they meet in Greece. 

Olympiacos has never lost to Real Madrid at home in Piraeus. They beat Madrid 2-1 back in December 2005 and held them in a 0-0 draw in their most recent meeting in November 2007.

Real Madrid are dealing with a number of injury issues in defence. Dani Carvajal (knee), Eder Militao (groin), and young Franco Mastantuono (groin) are all ruled out. There are also fitness concerns over Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, and David Alaba, who will be checked before the match.

Coach Xabi Alonso is expected to refresh his attack, starting Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

Olympiacos coach Jose Luis Mendilibar has fewer problems. Goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis (calf) and defender Bruno Onyemaechi (muscle) are unavailable, but the rest of the team is fit. That means he should be able to go with his strongest lineup, led by in form striker Ayoub El Kaabi.

Olympiacos (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Garcia, Mouzakitis; Martins, Chiquinho, Podence; El Kaabi

Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Guler; Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius

Real Madrid might be limping a bit at the back, but with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham leading the charge, they have  still got serious firepower up front. Meanwhile, Olympiacos have never lost to them at home, and you can expect their fans will be loud and ready,

Expect a close battle with chances on both ends. Olympiacos love to push forward, and with Madrid’s defence looking shaky lately, you can bet on Livescorebet that goals should fly. 

Prediction: Olympiacos 2-2 Real Madrid

• Bet on Real Madrid to win or draw

• Anytime goal scorer - Kylian Mbappe

• Over 2.5 goals