Olympiacos faces NEC Nijmegen in UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second leg

Olympiacos is set to face NEC Nijmegen in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on Tuesday, August 11, at 20:30. Following a 0-0 draw in the first match at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, the Greek side must secure an away victory in the Netherlands to advance to the play-offs.

Manager Jose Luis Mendilibar is expected to make adjustments to his starting lineup to improve performance. Key personnel news includes the potential return of midfielder Santiago Hezze, who missed the first leg due to an ankle injury sustained during a friendly against AZ Alkmaar. Defender Lorenzo Pirola, whose substitution in the first game stabilized the defense, is a strong candidate for a starting role, while Jota Silva is also considered a candidate for the forward line. The traveling squad has been officially announced, featuring a full roster of key players.

Mendilibar emphasized that the team must perform better than in the initial encounter, focusing on tactical refinements developed during recent training sessions. The match represents a critical step for Olympiacos in their bid to reach the Champions League League Phase.