# Olympiacos 2026: defensive lapses and European start

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/olympiacos-2026-preseason-friendlies
> Updated: 2026-07-30T16:52:34.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 5.

In July 2026 Olympiacos’ pre‑season friendlies exposed a recurring defensive weakness: after taking early leads, the team allowed all nine goals in the final 20 minutes of six matches – three each against Anderlecht and AZ Alkmaar, and one each versus Ajax, Raków Częstochowa and Leuven. Commentator Kostas Nikolakopoulos attributed the pattern to fatigue, ineffective second‑half substitutions and an inability to react to opponent changes. Injuries to midfielder Santiago Esé and left‑back Manolis Saliakas added to the coach José Luis Mendilibar’s concerns ahead of the Champions League third‑qualifying round.

Despite the defensive issues, Olympiacos confirmed a minimum Europa League group‑stage place and announced its squad numbers for the 2026/27 season. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will wear No 1; the defence includes Smajlović (4), Pirólá (5), Karmo (6) and newcomer Saliakas (2). The side’s first European match, against a Dutch opponent, is set for early May, marking the start of its continental campaign.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Olympiacos launches European campaign and reveals new season squad numbers

Olympiacos starts the 2026/27 season with a Champions League qualifier, a guaranteed Europa League spot and new squad numbers, aiming for up to 12 European games.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympiacos-launches-european-campaign-and-reveals-new-season-squad-numbers

### 2026-07-26: Olympiacos plagued by defensive lapses after conceding nine goals in six friendlies

Olympiacos allowed nine goals in the second half of six recent friendlies, all in the final 20 minutes, prompting criticism over defensive lapses and fatigue ahead of their first official match.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympiacos-plagued-by-defensive-lapses-after-conceding-nine-goals-in-six-friendlies

### 2026-07-26: Olympiacos falls 3-2 to Alkmaar in Dutch pre‑season friendly

Olympiacos lost 3-2 to Dutch side Alkmaar in a pre‑season friendly after leading 2‑0, with Alkmaar scoring three quick goals, including a penalty, to complete the club's Netherlands tour.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympiacos-falls-3-2-to-alkmaar-in-dutch-preseason-friendly

### 2026-07-24: Olympiacos suffers 3-0 loss to Antwerp and 3-2 defeat to Alkmaar in pre‑season friendlies

Olympiacos lost 3‑0 to Antwerp and 3‑2 to AZ Alkmaar in Dutch friendlies, with Alkmaar overturning a 2‑0 halftime lead. Injuries to Santiago Esé and Manolis Saliakas worry the club ahead of the Champions League

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympiacos-to-face-anderlecht-in-live-friendly-broadcast-on-july-24-2026

### 2026-07-07: Olympiacos to play six televised European friendlies in July

Olympiacos will play six pre‑season friendlies across Europe in July, with all games broadcast live on Cosmote Sport.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympiacos-to-play-six-televised-european-friendlies-in-july

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Cite as: Olympiacos 2026: defensive lapses and European start. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/olympiacos-2026-preseason-friendlies