Royal Antwerp 3–0 Olympiacos: Dominant Display in Pre-Season Clash

Royal Antwerp kicked off their summer pre-season preparations with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Greek giants Olympiacos Piraeus at the Bosuilstadion on 25 July 2026. The Belgian Pro League side looked sharp from the first whistle, controlling possession and converting their chances with clinical efficiency against a side that finished third in the Greek Super League last season.

Match Overview

Under the guidance of head coach Jonas De Roeck, Antwerp pressed high from the outset, forcing Olympiacos into several early turnovers. The first goal arrived in the 18th minute when a well-worked corner routine left an unmarked defender to head home from close range. The goal set the tone for a first half in which the home side dominated both possession and territory.

Olympiacos, managed by José Luis Mendilibar, struggled to find rhythm. Their midfield was overrun by Antwerp’s energetic trio, and the Greek Super League side managed just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. By contrast, Antwerp doubled their lead just before the interval through a swift counter-attack finished with a composed low drive into the far corner.

Second Half Control

The second half saw a more balanced contest, but Antwerp remained dangerous on the break. The third goal came in the 67th minute – a powerful strike from outside the box that left the Olympiacos goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The Belgian side made several substitutions afterwards, yet the rhythm remained intact, with the three-goal cushion never seriously threatened.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, including a close-range header that sailed just over the bar, Antwerp goalkeeper Jean Butez was rarely tested. The clean sheet reflected a disciplined defensive performance, and the 3–0 scoreline was a fair reflection of Antwerp’s superiority.

Standout Performers

• Antwerp's attacking trio: The front three interchanged positions fluidly, creating numerous chances and tormenting the Olympiacos backline throughout the evening.
• Midfield engine room: Arthur Vermeeren and his midfield partners dictated the tempo, winning second balls and transitioning play quickly from defence to attack.
• Olympiacos defence: While the scoreline suggests a poor showing, the Greek side’s central defenders made several last-ditch tackles to prevent the margin from growing even larger.

Pre-Season Context

This friendly formed part of Antwerp’s build-up to the 2026–27 Belgian Pro League season, where they aim to challenge for the title. For Olympiacos, the match was one of several tune-ups before their domestic campaign begins in August. Despite the heavy defeat, the Greek side will take positives from a second-half spell where they held their own.

The result will boost confidence for Antwerp, who demonstrated sharp fitness levels and tactical cohesion this early in pre-season. With the new campaign approaching, this performance suggests they will be a force to be reckoned with both domestically and in potential European qualifiers.