Olympiacos prepares for Champions League qualifier against NEC Nijmegen

Olympiacos is set to face Dutch side NEC Nijmegen on August 4, 2026, at 21:00 at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar has finalized his 25-man squad, omitting key players such as Mehdi Taremi, Roman Yaremchuk, and the recently acquired goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who is currently deemed unfit for competition. Balsa Popovic is expected to start in goal, while Santiago Hezze and Giorgos Masouras were also left out of the final matchday squad due to injury and ongoing transfer negotiations, respectively.

The team has been preparing in the Netherlands, with Mendilibar emphasizing the challenge of reaching the league phase. The club is also active in the transfer market, reportedly finalizing a loan deal for Roma defender Anas Salah-Eddine with an option to buy. Tactical uncertainties persist regarding the midfield lineup, with Mouzakitis expected to start, while Chiquinho, Garcia, and Scipioni are being evaluated for the remaining spots. Following the first leg in Athens, the squad will have further opportunities to adjust their UEFA registration list before upcoming European fixtures, as the club continues to navigate both domestic roster management and their Champions League campaign.