Olympiacos has kept their chances in the Champions League campaign alive with a needed win against Bayer Leverkusen through two goals scored in the first half. Olympiacos made a good move, as they recorded the lead too early at two minutes after the commencement of the game when Costinha moved without being marked at the near post to head in Rodinei’s outswinging corner. The visitors were given the opportunity to record an equalizer not too long after Olympiacos' goal, but Lucas Vazquez couldn't convert the opportunity despite being at close range. That move proved expensive, as Olympiacos scored the second goal moments later to earn them a comfortable lead. Mehdi Taremi dribbled through the defense to meet Rodinei’s perfectly weighted through ball, got a composed touch, and fired in a shot that went past goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. The result has left Bayer Leverkusen in the 19th position in the Champions League table with a total of nine points, with Olympiacos with only eight points and in the 22nd place of the Champions League table. Only teams between ninth and 24th position on the Champions League table will be playing in February’s knockout play-offs, as both sides are expected to win their last league-phase games to be part of it. Leverkusen will be playing at home against Villarreal, which has already been eliminated on 28 January, as Olympiacos will be heading to the Netherlands to play against Ajax, who are also fighting to be part of the teams that will be playing February's playoff games.