Bruno Onyemaechi will be aiming to play a more prominent role when Olympiacos F.C. attempt to overturn a first-leg deficit against Bayer Leverkusen in Tuesday’s decisive UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off.
The Nigerian full-back featured as a late substitute in the first leg encounter in Piraeus, where Olympiacos suffered a 2-0 defeat that now leaves them needing a strong response in Germany.
After an evenly balanced first half, Leverkusen seized control through Patrik Schick, who struck twice in quick succession early in the second period to give the Bundesliga side a commanding advantage.
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Onyemaechi was introduced in the closing stages as Olympiacos searched for momentum, but the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough.
Olympiacos require at least two goals at the BayArena to force extra time, squad rotation or tactical adjustments could hand Onyemaechi an opportunity to start his first Champions League match.
The defender has made 18 appearances across all competitions this season, including four in Europe, as he continues to establish himself within the Greek club’s defensive options.
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Olympiacos face a difficult assignment against a Leverkusen side that have been particularly strong at home, yet their own solid away record offers a measure of encouragement ahead of the trip.
Meanwhile, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s Olympiacos started the league phase poorly, losing two of their first three in the Champions League, but they reached the playoffs after closing out the round with three straight victories.
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Notably, that run included a 2-0 triumph over Leverkusen back on January 20, a result that is sure to give Thrylos some hope of overturning the two-goal deficit in this second leg.
Onyemaechi playing for the super eagles during the AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic. Photo Credit: Imago
However, it would be fair to say that the Greek Super League side have stumbled in the month since, given that they come into Tuesday’s showdown with just one win from their last four games across all competitions.
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To make matters worse, Mendilibar’s men failed to score in three of those contests, losing twice and drawing once, though they were able to find their feet in a 2-0 victory against Panetolikos on Saturday.
