Olympiacos suffers 3-0 loss to Antwerp and 3-2 defeat to Alkmaar in pre‑season friendlies

Olympiacos played two summer friendlies in the Netherlands as part of its preparation for the Champions League third‑qualifying round against Naïmegen. The first match, held in Amersfoort, ended in a 3‑0 defeat to Belgian side Antwerp. Goals came from Somers (68'), Verstreate (74') and Ferstraiten (79'), while goalkeeper Popovits could not stop the late surge.

In the second friendly against Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, Olympiacos led 2‑0 at halftime through goals by El Kambi and Carmo. However, Alkmaar turned the game around, scoring in the 72nd minute (Merntink), equalising through a Carmo own‑goal in the 77th, and winning 3‑2 with a penalty by Merntink in the 89th minute.

Both matches exposed defensive frailties and resulted in injuries to Santiago Esé and Manolis Saliakas, raising concerns for the upcoming Champions League tie. Coach José Luis Mendilibar now has material to assess before the official fixtures begin.