Leverkusen defence hailed by coach after win in Greek cauldron

Bayer Leverkusen had not only two-goal striker Patrik Schick but also their defence to thank for their Champions League play-off first leg win at Olympiacos Piraeus on Wednesday.

After a bumpy first 45 minutes against the Greek side who once again pressed high and played aggressively - like in their 2-0 win over the Germans in January's league phase - Schick decided the match with a brace within 144 seconds as the scores were reversed.

Leverkusen gradually silenced the deafening chorus of boos every time they touched the ball inside the infamously hostile Karaiskakis Stadium.

The round of 16 is now within sight. That was the club's stated goal but it was by no means a foregone conclusion after the major upheaval at the start of the season, which saw new coach Erik ten Haag sacked after three competitive games.

Current coach Kasper Hjulmand, despite a sticky start to the year, has steadied the ship and has been particularly impressed by his defence.

"It's important. Seven games, two goals conceded, five clean sheets," the Dane told reporters.

They beat St Pauli 4-0 in the Bundesliga at the weekend to sit sixth with a game in hand on their top-four rivals. They go to Union Berlin on Saturday before Tuesday's second leg at home to Olimpiacos.

"We had three days between games and the opportunity for a bit of continuity. But it can't go on like this. It's not possible," the coach said. "We have a great bench and a great squad – rotation will come."

A knock-out round meeting with Bayern Munich - like last season - is now possible.