Olympiacos Host Sparta Prague in Europa League Battle of the Unbeaten

Two sides that have enjoyed strong unbeaten starts to their UEFA Europa League campaigns go head-to-head on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as Olympiacos welcome Czech outfit Sparta Prague to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium for Round 3.

Imanol Alguacil's Olympiacos side sit 10th in the 36-team league phase table after taking maximum points from their opening two fixtures. The Greek giants opened their European campaign with a 2-1 victory over Jagiellonia Bialystok before securing a impressive 1-0 away victory against Marseille, courtesy of a decisive goal from Santiago Hezze.

Form Guide and Defensive Solidity

Olympiacos enter Thursday's match riding high on momentum, having won five consecutive matches across all competitions. Their domestic performances have been equally impressive, including a 1-0 rivalry win over Panathinaikos and a 2-0 victory against Panetolikos. Defensive steel has been the foundation of Alguacil's recent success, with the hosts keeping four consecutive clean sheets heading into this match.

Sparta Prague, managed by Brian Priske, sit just one spot behind their hosts in 11th place with four points. The visitors kicked off their Europa League journey with a convincing 4-1 away triumph at Ararat Armenia before being held to a 1-1 draw by Norwegian side Lillestroem. Priske's team are currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, though they arrive in Piraeus following back-to-back draws against Lillestroem and a 0-0 domestic stalemate with Banik Ostrava.

Team News and Key Battles

For Olympiacos, manager Imanol Alguacil is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system led by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Lorenzo Pirola and Panagiotis Retsos should form the central defensive pairing, protected by Santiago Hezze and Gustavo Puerta in central midfield. Up front, Roman Yaremchuk is set to lead the line with support from Gelson, Jota Silva, and Chiquinho. However, the hosts remain without key personnel, including injured trio Konstantinos Fortounis, Leon Bailey, and Yusuf Yazici.

Sparta Prague are expected to set up in a 4-3-3 formation under Brian Priske. Forward Jonatan Braut Brunes will lead the attack flanked by Ebrima Singhateh and Matej Jurasek. In midfield, Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk, Andy Irving, and Adam Sevinsky are projected to start. The Czech side also have several injury absentees to manage, with Adam Karabec, Matej Rynes, Elias Cobbaut, Magnus Kofod Andersen, and Emannuel Uchenna all sidelined.

Match Prediction

With this being the first official European meeting between the two clubs, both managers will be eager to stake a claim for early automatic qualification spots in the league phase. Olympiacos' remarkable defensive run and formidable home atmosphere make them slight favourites, but Sparta Prague's resilience on the road suggests a tight, tactical encounter in Piraeus.