Olympiacos vs Real Madrid

Anticipation is building in Piraeus as Olympiacos prepares to welcome Real Madrid to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT. The stadium is expected to be vibrant, with home fans eager to see their team challenge one of Europe’s most decorated clubs in this Champions League encounter.

Squad news presents challenges for both sides. Olympiacos will miss several regular starters in defence and midfield, forcing coach José Luis Mendilibar to adjust his usual starting eleven and rely on substitutes who have had limited European experience. Real Madrid faces even more disruptions, with multiple first-choice defenders and their main goalkeeper sidelined, prompting Xabi Alonso to consider rotated or younger options in critical defensive positions.

Tactically, Olympiacos are likely to focus on organisation and defensive resilience, probably using a 4-2-3-1 formation to maintain compactness in midfield and at the back. Quick counterattacks and set pieces will be key tools in attempting to challenge Real Madrid’s attacking play. Real, despite defensive concerns, are expected to dominate possession and use width to stretch the home defence, relying on creative midfielders and forwards to unlock scoring opportunities while balancing caution at the back.

The press is highlighting Real Madrid’s defensive instability and how this could provide Olympiacos with an opening to cause an upset. Analysts note that the Greek side’s home advantage and disciplined approach could pose problems, while questions remain over whether Real can adapt their attacking strategy without leaving themselves exposed. Pundits are also focusing on whether individual quality from key players can compensate for the absences in defence.

Studio commentators view this clash as potentially delicate for Real Madrid. While the Spanish side are favourites, Olympiacos’ organisation, counterattacking ability, and motivation on home soil make them a formidable opponent. Analysts emphasize the need for Real to maintain tactical discipline, avoid defensive lapses, and create chances efficiently, while Olympiacos will aim to maximise any errors and exploit set-piece opportunities.