Match Overview

The UEFA 2025/26 third-round match between Spanish giants Barcelona and Greek side Olympiacos is scheduled to take place on October 21st at the iconic Camp Nou stadium. This preview offers a detailed forecast, betting odds, and crucial statistics for the Barcelona vs Olympiacos encounter.

Barcelona’s Current Form

The Catalan giants kicked off the group stage with an away victory against Newcastle (2:1). However, in the second round, playing at home, the team suffered a defeat by the same scoreline to the reigning winners, PSG. This victory against the English side remains Barcelona’s only win in their last five matches (2 draws, 2 losses in regular time). With 3 points, Barcelona currently sits 16th in the tournament standings.

Barcelona’s Recent Performance Highlights

• Both teams scored in Barcelona’s last five matches.
• At least 3 goals were scored in Barcelona’s last 7 games in this tournament.
• The Spanish side scored 3 or more goals in 6 of their last 8 home matches in this European competition.

Barcelona’s Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Wojciech Szczesny – Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri – Lamine Yamal, Dro Fernandes, Marcus Rashford – Ferran Torres.

Barcelona Injury Update

Due to injuries, goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-André ter Stegen, midfielders Dani Olmo and Gavi, as well as forwards Raphinha Dias and Robert Lewandowski are unavailable for selection.

Olympiacos’ Current Form

The Greek side is still without a win and a goal in the competition. In the first round, the team shared points at home with Paphos (0:0), and in the subsequent away game, they lost 0:2 to Arsenal. Their winless streak in this tournament extends to 6 matches – 4 draws and 2 defeats. José Luis Mendilibar’s proteges currently sit in 29th position with 1 point. It’s also worth noting that, besides Olympiacos, only Ajax remains without scoring a goal in the current campaign.

Olympiacos’ Performance Statistics

• In their last 22 group stage matches, Olympiacos has only achieved 2 victories (3 draws and 17 defeats).
• No more than two goals were scored in 7 of Olympiacos’ last 9 games in this tournament.
• In their last 11 away matches in this European competition, the Piraeus team has secured only 1 win (3 draws and 7 defeats).

Olympiacos’ Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Konstantinos Tzolakis – Rodinei, Panagiotis Retsos, Lorenzo Pirola, Francisco Ortega – Santiago Hezze, Christos Mouzakitis – Daniel Podence, Chiquinho, Gabriel Strefezza – Ayoub El Kaabi.

Olympiacos Injury Update

Forward Roman Yaremchuk is sidelined due to injury.

Referee Profile

Urs Schneider (Switzerland)

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated – 11 (International matches, 2024/25-2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellow) – 60;

Average yellow cards per match – 5.5;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalties awarded – 18%.

Match Prediction: Barcelona vs Olympiacos

Barcelona’s Dominance Against Greek Teams

The Spanish side boasts an excellent record against Greek opponents, securing 7 victories in their previous 7 European encounters against clubs from Greece. It is highly probable that the Catalans will achieve another win in this match, though it’s unlikely to be an overwhelmingly confident or dominant victory. With numerous key players injured, especially in the attacking line, I would not recommend betting on a strong handicap for the hosts. Instead, focusing on the visitors’ goal-scoring ability might be a better approach.

Olympiacos’ Struggle Against Spanish Opponents

Historically, Olympiacos has performed poorly against Spanish clubs, losing 14 out of their last 16 away matches against representatives from Spain, with two draws. Furthermore, the Piraeus side has lost their last 11 away games in the group stage. It’s also worth noting that the Greeks are yet to score in the current competition, failing to find the net even at home against the relatively modest Paphos.

Final Prediction and Betting Tip

Considering that Barcelona’s primary defensive players are all fit and available, I believe the visitors will once again struggle to score. Therefore, my prediction is: “Olympiacos Total Goals Under 0.5” with odds of 1.82

Author of the Forecast

Author: Oleksandr Oleksenko