Bayer Leverkusen Vs Olympiacos: Hjulmand Warns Against Complacency Ahead Of Champions League Second Leg

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Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand stresses that Olympiacos will not be taken lightly, despite a 2-0 advantage in their Champions League play-off tie. Hjulmand says the second leg will be treated with full focus, as progression is not yet secure.

Patrik Schick’s rapid double at the Karaiskakis Stadium last week put Leverkusen in control at the halfway stage. The German side return home with that cushion, yet Hjulmand believes the scoreline can create danger if players relax too early.

Hjulmand is clear about the balance between confidence and risk. He said: "It's a good position to be in and a good result, but also a dangerous oneif you take it too lightly. We're taking the game very seriously; it's not over yet. We'll need to be at our best against a great opponent. But even the win in the first leg doesn't change the fact we're approaching the game as we normally do: We want to be proactive and win."

The coach’s record in the Bayer Leverkusen Champions League campaign strengthens belief. Hjulmand has won 44.4% of his matches in this competition with the club, with four victories, three draws and two defeats. Among Leverkusen managers with at least three games, this is the highest win rate.

The clubs are familiar Champions League rivals. They have met four times before in the competition, with two wins each. The only previous meeting in Germany ended 2-0 to Leverkusen in October 2002, a result that mirrors the current aggregate scoreline.

Leverkusen’s broader record in European knockout ties adds context. The team have advanced from 20 of 22 two-legged ties after winning the first match. The only exits came against Atletico Madrid in the 2014-15 Champions League last 16 and Udinese in the 1999-00 UEFA Cup last 32.

Data from the Opta supercomputer gives the Werkself a 51.5% chance of victory in this Bayer Leverkusen Champions League second leg. That probability reflects both their current lead and strong historical record when starting ahead in knockout football.

Team news remains a concern, with Malik Tillman at risk of missing the match. Tillman has scored twice in the Champions League this season but took a kick to the ankle during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga defeat to Union Berlin on Saturday. Hjulmand said: "We don't think he'll be able to play, he added. But we'll see and decide tomorrow after training and the medical."