NEC Nijmegen and Olympiacos face off in the Champions League at the Goffertstadion. The victors will advance to the play-off round to take on the winners of the tie involving Bodø/Glimt and Union SG.
NEC Nijmegen to rely on same players that impressed in Greece
There was little to choose between the clubs last week, as the first leg ended 0-0 in Piraeus. NEC Nijmegen would have been pleased with that outcome in what was their first-ever Champions League match.
Dick Schreuder is likely to name the same lineup on Tuesday. He’s still missing Perr Schuurs and Bram Nuytinck due to injuries. Key midfielder Kodai Sano has now completed a transfer to Feyenoord.
Dušan Tadić was used up front in the 2-1 defeat to Telstar in the Eredivisie on Saturday, but Bryan Linssen will return for this game. He scored 11 goals in 32 league outings last season.
NEC Nijmegen predicted lineup vs Olympiacos (3-5-2): Crettaz; Storm, Sandler, Fonville; Ouaissa, Monteiro, Nejasmic, Lebreton, Bischoff; Chery, Linssen.
Olympiacos adapting to life with a new goalkeeper
José Luis Mendilibar is entering his third full season as Olympiacos boss and securing Champions League progress is a major priority. The first leg was the opening competitive outing of the campaign for the Greek giants, who did not play at the weekend.
Club captain Panagiotis Retsos is set to be available, despite going off injured a week ago. Yusuf Yazıcı remains sidelined with a torn ACL.
The big change this term is in goal. Premier League newcomers Hull City broke their transfer record to sign Konstantinos Tzolakis a few days ago. Mendilibar is ready to use new signing Balša Popović as his keeper again in the Netherlands. He made four saves during an impressive debut last week.
Olympiacos predicted lineup vs NEC Nijmegen (4-2-3-1): Popović; Saliakas, Smajlović, Carmo, Onyemaechi; García, Mouzakitis; Rodinei, Chiquinho, Roca; El Kaabi.
NEC Nijmegen vs Olympiacos Prediction
- Safe Tip: Under 3 goals
- Odds: 1.38 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: NEC Nijmegen 1-1 Olympiacos
- 22Bet Booking Code: 3EEDG
Key stats:
- None of NEC Nijmegen’s previous six competitive games have produced more than three goals.
- All of Olympiacos’ last four competitive encounters have ended with two or fewer goals.
- Five of the Greek club’s past six European fixtures have finished with no more than two goals.
With the stakes so high, another cautious encounter is expected. Backing Under 3 goals with a 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€ is a safe pick, given there was only one big chance in last week’s goalless first leg. Olympiacos struggled to create shooting opportunities for their dangerous striker Ayoub El Kaabi.
They may favour a counterattacking approach in this game and have a strong recent defensive record in this competition. Across their past six Champions League fixtures, Mendilibar’s team have only conceded three times.
NEC Nijmegen vs Olympiacos Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Olympiacos to qualify
- Odds: 1.81 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: AMGDG
Having won the Conference League in 2024 and progressed to the knockout phase play-offs in the 2025/26 Champions League, Olympiacos have far more European experience than their opponents. That will help them in the event of extra time and penalties.
NEC Nijmegen’s poor form suggests backing the Greek team to qualify offers value. The Dutch outfit have won just once in eight outings since the start of pre-season.
Verdict: Under 3 goals (1.38) — NEC Nijmegen 1-1 Olympiacos
