The Matchday 3 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Barcelona (Spain) and Olympiacos (Greece) will take place on October 21 at Camp Nou. Barcelona vs. Olympiacos: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Barcelona
The Catalans started the group stage with an away victory over Newcastle (2-1). However, in the second round, the team, playing at home, lost by the same scoreline to the reigning Champions League winners, PSG. Thus, the victory over the English side remains the only win for the Spaniards in their last five matches in this European competition (2 draws, 2 losses in regular time). Barcelona currently sits 16th in the standings with 3 points.
- Both teams scored in Barcelona's last five Champions League matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in Barcelona's last seven games in this tournament.
- The Spaniards have scored three or more goals in six of their last eight home matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-3-3)
Wojciech Szczęsny – Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Marc Casado – Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, Toni Fernandez.
Unavailable due to injuries are goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-André ter Stegen, midfielders Dani Olmo and Gavi, and forwards Ferran Torres, Raphinha Dias, and Robert Lewandowski.
Olympiacos
The Greeks are yet to secure a win or score a goal. In the first round, the team drew 0-0 at home against Pafos, and in the next match, they lost 0-2 away to Arsenal. The club's winless streak in this tournament extends to six matches – 4 draws and 2 losses. José Luis Mendilibar's side is currently in 29th place with 1 point. It's also worth noting that, alongside Olympiacos, only Ajax has yet to score.
- In their last 22 group stage matches in the Champions League, the club has only 2 wins (3 draws and 17 losses).
- No more than two goals have been scored in 7 of Olympiacos' last 9 games in this tournament.
- In their last 11 away matches in this European competition, Olympiacos has secured only 1 win (3 draws and 7 losses).
Predicted lineup for Olympiacos (4-2-3-1)
Konstantinos Tzolakis – Costinha, Panagiotis Retsos, Lorenzo Pirola, Francisco Ortega – Santiago Esse, Christos Muzakitis – Daniel Podence, Chiquinho, Gabriel Strefezza – Ayoub El Kaabi.
Defender Rodinei is out due to injury.
Referee
Urs Schneider (Switzerland)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 60;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.5;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 18%.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs. Olympiacos
The Spaniards have an excellent record against Greek teams, having won all seven of their previous European encounters with clubs from this country. It's likely that the Catalans will secure another victory in this match, although it may not be a dominant or convincing one. With many injuries, especially in the attacking line, I do not recommend betting on a large margin for the hosts, but rather focusing on the visitors' scoring potential.
Olympiacos has historically struggled against Spanish clubs, losing 14 times and drawing twice in their last 16 away matches against teams from this country. Additionally, Olympiacos has lost their last 11 away group stage matches in the Champions League. It's also worth noting that the Greeks have yet to score in this edition, even failing to find the net at home against modest Pafos.
Considering that Barcelona's defense is intact, I believe the visitors will once again fail to score. Therefore, my prediction is Olympiacos Individual Total Under 0.5.
