Schick gives Leverkusen two-goal lead over Olympiacos

UEFA Champions League

Olympiakos 0 - 2 Bayer Leverkusen FT

Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick scored a second-half double to help his side secure a first-leg victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League knockout phase play-off.

The Czech international struck twice in space of three minutes midway through the second half to earn the Bundesliga side their first away win in the knockout stages of the competition at the 10th attempt.

Schick opened the scoring with a composed finish on the hour mark, before doubling his tally moments later, heading Alex Grimaldo's corner past Konstantinos Tzolakis at the near post.

Leverkusen's wait for a victory on the road at this stage of the competition had earlier looked set to continue as Schick, Ernest Poku and Ibrahim Maza spurned a string of golden opportunities in the first half at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece.

That was before Olympiacos thought they had taken the lead in first half stoppage time when Ayoub El Kaabi headed Rodinei's free-kick into the back of the net.

But the goal was ruled out following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR) as replays showed the ball brushed off team-mate Mehdi Taremi - who was standing in an offside position - on its way past Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich.

Both sides threatened after the break, with Giulian Biancone heading over for the hosts and Grimaldo aiming a tame effort Tzolakis, before Leverkusen finally made their dominance count.

Schick's second goal, which came 144 seconds after breaking the deadlock, was a thumping header to become the highest scoring Czech player in the Champions League since the 2004/05 season.

The second leg will take place in Leverkusen on 24 February (20:00 GMT).