Bayer 04 Leverkusen shut down Olympiacos FC’s attacking threats to secure a goalless draw in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie, following a 2-0 first-leg win in Greece. The result extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten record against Greek sides in Europe to five matches (W3, D2).

After scoring twice in the opening leg, Patrik Schick came close again in the first five minutes at the BayArena, his glancing header narrowly missing Konstantinos Tzolakis’s far post.

Kasper Hjulmand’s Olympiacos side then adopted a more cautious approach as they gradually grew into the half, seeking the breakthrough that would have kept their comeback hopes alive. Despite enjoying periods of possession, they were unable to trouble Janis Blaswich, leaving manager José Luis Mendilibar with little to address at halftime.

The Greek side finally registered a shot on target within five minutes of the restart when Gelson Martins forced Blaswich into a low diving save to his right. Martins threatened again after the hour mark, his low strike deflecting wide, shortly after Alex Grimaldo rattled the crossbar at the other end.

As the minutes passed, Olympiacos’ hopes of a dramatic comeback faded, with Lorenzo Scipioni firing a long-range effort wide in the closing stages.

Leverkusen’s defensive solidity ensured they completed their fifth clean sheet of the European campaign, earning progression to the last 16, where they will face either domestic rivals Bayern Munich or Premier League leaders Arsenal FC.