Arsenal host Olympiacos in Champions League showdown – preview

When Arsenal welcome Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium on October 1, 2025, the stakes are unmistakably high. The clash is part of the Champions LeagueLondon, set to kick off at 8 pm BST, and both sides are desperate for three points to secure their group position. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, will be looking to translate a recent dramatic 2‑1 comeback win over Newcastle United into European fluency, while Olympiacos hope their late‑winner against Levadiakos will carry over into the continent’s premier competition.

Recent Form and Momentum

Arsenal entered the Champions League campaign with a 2‑0 victory at San Mamés against Athletic Bilbao, a result that still feels fresh after a hard‑fought night in Spain. The win showcased a resilient back line and an emerging partnership between Gabriel Jesus and the prolific Mikel Merino, who netted the crucial equaliser against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in a nail‑biter that ended 2‑1. Gabriel’s last‑gasp strike in the 89th minute not only salvaged three points but also highlighted his growing confidence under Arteta’s attacking philosophy.

Olympiacos, on the other hand, have enjoyed a mixed bag of results. Their group debut was a 0‑0 stalemate against Pafos, a match that left them yearning for a sharper edge. Domestically, they rattled off a 3‑2 home win over Levadiakos, thanks to Chiquinho’s injury‑time heroics, and a dominant 5‑0 demolition of Panserraikos in the Super League. These games suggest a side capable of both high‑tempo attacking bursts and gritty defensive work‑rates.

Tactical Considerations

Arteta faces a conundrum at centre‑back. Cristhian Mosquera has been impressive, often out‑muscling opponents and displaying composure on the ball. Yet William Saliba, who came on for half‑time in the Newcastle contest, offers a different skill set, especially in aerial duels. The manager’s decision will likely hinge on whether he prioritises Mosquera’s mobility against Olympiacos’ quick wingers or Saliba’s seasoned positioning against their set‑piece threat.

Olympiacos will likely line up in a 4‑2‑3‑1, with Panagiotis Retsos anchoring the midfield and Sebastian Palacios providing the creative spark. Their full‑backs, especially the right‑handed Konstantinos Goumas, love to overlap, meaning Arsenal’s full‑backs will be tested on the flanks. Expect a high‑press early on, as the Greeks aim to disrupt Arsenal’s build‑up and force errors near the box.

Historical Head‑to‑Head and What It Means

The two clubs have met twelve times in European competition, each winning six matches – an exact split that adds a layer of intrigue. Curiously, none of those encounters ended in a draw, suggesting a penchant for decisive outcomes. The most recent showdown was the 2021 Europa League round‑of‑16, where Arsenal edged through 3‑2 on aggregate after a dramatic second leg in Athens.

Statistically, Arsenal have out‑scored Olympiacos in their last three meetings, but the Greeks have a slightly better away record in the group stage of the competition. The pattern of alternating victories underscores the importance of early momentum; a win in London could tilt the psychological balance in Arsenal’s favour, while a loss might embed a lingering doubt that resurfaced in the 2021 tie.

Key Players to Watch

• Gabriel Jesus – His link‑up play with Merino could unlock the tight Greek defence. After a goal‑filled night against Newcastle, his confidence is soaring.
• Mikel Merino – The Spanish midfielder’s knack for late equalising goals makes him a threat, especially from distance.
• Chiquinho – The Brazilian forward scored the winner for Olympiacos in injury time against Levadiakos; his poaching instincts could surprise Arsenal’s back line.
• Panagiotis Retsos – The disciplined defensive midfielder anchors Olympiacos, capable of breaking up Arsenal’s passing flow.
• Cristhian Mosquera – If Arteta backs him, his athleticism could nullify the Greek wingers and start a counter‑attack.

Potential Outcomes and Group Implications

Should Arsenal clinch a 2‑0 or 3‑1 win, they would sit atop Group B with six points, leaving Olympiacos needing a victory in their final match to stay alive. Conversely, a narrow defeat – say 1‑0 – would hand the Greeks a crucial lifeline, setting up a tightly contested finale against the other group rival, which could be either a French or German side depending on the draw.

Beyond the points column, the match carries a psychological weight. Success at the Emirates could reinforce Arteta’s tactical approach and cement Gabriel and Merino as a lethal combination for the rest of the campaign. For Olympiacos, a win would prove they can compete against a traditional English powerhouse, potentially reshaping perceptions of Greek clubs on the European stage.

What to Expect on the Night

Fans can anticipate a pulsating atmosphere; the North London stadium is rarely quiet on a Champions League night. Early pressure from Olympiacos is likely, with Palacios looking to test Arsenal’s centre‑backs. Arsenal, meanwhile, will aim to dominate possession, using their technical midfield to create overloads on the flanks. Expect at least one goal before half‑time – either a set‑piece from Saliba or a quick break feathered in by Jesus.

In short, the match promises a blend of tactical chess, individual brilliance, and the occasional drama that only European football can deliver. Whether Arsenal’s recent comeback spirit translates into a decisive home win, or Olympiacos’ late‑night heroics echo at the Emirates, the result will set the tone for the rest of the group stage.