Barcelona vs Olympiacos (Champions League): odds and picks 21.10.2025

A match to gauge the mood at the Estadi Olímpic: a Barça side on the rise in La Liga and building momentum in Europe welcomes a pragmatic Olympiacos side that has been competing well in Greece but with less bite away from home. I expect Barça to dominate possession, recover the ball frequently after losing it and face a defensive opponent waiting for their chance to counterattack.

Key factors: Barça’s home form and momentum after the 2-1 win over Girona, against an Olympiacos side that arrives with mixed results and a certain dependence on El Kaabi. Barça’s injuries will affect their plans, but the bench and the pace of the Olympic Stadium will be a factor.

Date, time and where to watch the match

• Competition: UEFA Champions League (League Phase, Matchday 3)
• Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025
• Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Barcelona)

Odds for the winner of Barcelona vs Olympiacos

Analysis Barcelona

Hansi Flick‘s team is boosted after beating Girona in injury time and securing another hard-fought victory.

In the Champions League group stage, they are mid-table after a start with one win and one defeat, with room to climb if they do their homework at home.

In terms of overall impression, Barça is producing more than it concedes, although it continues to allow some dangerous transitions when it loses possession in midfield.

Breaking news:

• Raphinha is not quite match fit.
• Dani Olmo, out for 2-3 weeks.
• Lewandowski and Gavi are still out.
• Lamine Yamal and Fermín López have returned, although they are not ready for 90 minutes.

I expect careful management of minutes with El Clásico just around the corner.

Key players (momentum):

• Pedri. He has a direct impact in the box and reads the game well to accelerate attacks. He is at the peak of his career.
• Lamine Yamal. His dribbling and final pass will be key to breaking down a low block.
• Frenkie de Jong. He holds the ball up and covers transitions when the team is split.

Recent form:
 Three wins, one draw and one defeat in the last five official matches. They have scored in all of them, but only kept a clean sheet once. At the Olympic Stadium, they increase their volume of shots and possession; if they strike first, they know how to see out the game.

In the Champions League, they are coming off a 2-1 loss to PSG and a 2-1 win over Newcastle.

Olympiacos analysis

The Greek champions arrive with mixed results: a 2–0 win at Larissa at the weekend, defeat to PAOK in the previous matchday and a League Phase where they only picked up 1 point in 2 games (0–0 vs Pafos and 0–2 at Arsenal).

They are a solid team, organised in midfield, who look to El Kaabi and Chiquinho to break quickly. Away from Piraeus, they struggle to keep possession and suffer when the opposition closes them down.

Latest news:
 No serious injuries, although several starters are accumulating minutes. Mendilibar prioritises structure, height and defensive work to protect the area and defend crosses from the wings.

Key players (momentum):

• Ayoub El Kaabi. A reference point and goalscorer; if he gets a clean ball, he can punish the opposition.
• Chiquinho. In great form in Greece: composure, final pass and outside shot.
• Podence. Dribbling down the wing, vital for winning free kicks and breathing space under pressure.

Recent form:
 In the last five matches (all competitions): two wins, one draw and two defeats. They perform well in the league, but in Europe they sometimes struggle to translate their play into goals.

Still waiting for a Champions League win: a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal and a 0-0 draw against lowly Pafos.

Barcelona vs Olympiacos: head-to-head

A short history in the Champions League (only two matches in 2017) and no defeats for the Blaugranas. The common denominator: Barça’s dominance of possession and Olympiacos waiting for their moment on set pieces or on the odd counter-attack.

With the new League Phase format, this match is worth double for the home team: victory + goal difference.

Summary: key facts

• Date: Tuesday, 21/10/2025
• Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
• Barça’s situation: coming off a derby win against Girona and with some key players out, although they still have depth on the bench.
• Olympiacos status: only 1 point in 2 Champions League matches, dependent on El Kaabi and struggling away from home.
• Odds: very favourable for Barcelona, Olympiacos at very high odds (above 15.00)

My prediction for Barcelona vs Olympiacos