Olympiacos and NEC Nijmegen draw in first leg of Champions League qualifier

Olympiacos played to a 0-0 draw against NEC Nijmegen at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on August 4, 2026, during the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie. Despite controlling possession in the first half, the Greek side struggled to break down the Dutch defense, with NEC Nijmegen proving dangerous on counter-attacks. The match was the first official game of the season for Olympiacos, following a mixed summer training period.

The result leaves the qualification for the playoffs wide open, with the second leg scheduled for August 11, 2026, at the Goffertstadion in the Netherlands. During the match, Olympiacos captain Panagiotis Retsos was forced off the field in the 64th minute due to an apparent ankle injury, causing concern for the team. If Olympiacos secures victory in the return leg, they will proceed to the Champions League playoffs, where they are slated to face the winner of the tie between Bodø/Glimt and Union Saint-Gilloise, as determined by the UEFA draw held in Nyon on August 3.