As Olympiacos prepares to face NEC in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round at Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis, both teams are eager to shake off disappointing pre-season performances. Olympiacos, under the guidance of Jose Luis Mendilibar, enters this match following three consecutive losses, while NEC arrives in Piraeus on a two-match losing streak.

Recent Form

Despite the common belief that pre-season results may not accurately reflect a team's current form, Olympiacos has struggled to find consistency. After starting their pre-season with two wins and a draw, the Greek side has since suffered defeats against Ajax, Royal Antwerp, and AZ Alkmaar. A notable concern for Mendilibar is his team's defensive frailty, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet throughout their pre-season campaign, conceding goals even during their unbeaten start, which included victories over Rakow and Fortuna Sittard.

In contrast, NEC is entering their first-ever Champions League qualifying match following a challenging pre-season. The Nijmegen club, which previously achieved its best-ever Eredivisie finish by securing third place, has struggled recently, managing only two wins in seven pre-season fixtures and losing four. Their latest losses came against Elversberg and Sevilla, highlighting their difficulties as they prepare for this crucial tie.

Scoring Trends

Despite their struggles, NEC has maintained an attacking mindset, scoring in all but one of their pre-season matches. This aligns with their performance in the 2025-26 season, where they scored 77 goals, second only to PSV Eindhoven. However, their defensive record was concerning, as they conceded 53 goals, the highest among the top three teams in the league. This trend of high-scoring games suggests that fans can expect an entertaining matchup in Piraeus.

With both teams looking to turn their fortunes around, the upcoming clash promises to be a pivotal moment for Olympiacos and NEC as they aim to advance in the Champions League. Mendilibar's side hopes to replicate their success from last season, while NEC seeks to make a statement in their debut at this level.