Olympiacos to host NEC Nijmegen in Champions League qualifier

Greek champions Olympiacos will meet Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third‑qualifying round on 4 August 2026 at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus. Coach José Luis Mendilibar said the team has worked hard in pre‑season, is motivated and expects the tie to be decided over both legs, not a single match. He highlighted the need for a solid defensive setup and noted that the Dutch opponents are a “bold” attacking side.

NEC have confirmed that defenders Philippe Sandler and Thoms Ouwejan are fit after recent injuries and will travel with a 24‑man squad. Ticket sales for the return match in the Netherlands have opened, with a limited allocation for season‑ticket holders. Betting markets list Olympiacos as the clear favourite, with odds around 1.53 for a home win.

Both clubs are aiming to reach the Champions League league phase; a victory would advance Olympiacos toward a repeat of last season’s European campaign, while NEC seek to mark their first appearance in the competition’s qualifying stage.