Olympiacos 1 Rangers 1
For three months, Philippe Clement’s claim that Rangers supporters would see an improvement in their side by the end of October was an albatross hanging around his neck.
If it takes the Belgian a little longer to fulfill that promise than he had hoped, none of the supporters who celebrated a prized point in the Europa League late into the night in the port of Piraeus will feel like reproaching him for he was late.
This was an excellent result for the embattled Rangers manager. With Motherwell reaching the final of the Premier Sports Cup last weekend, his summer promises no longer ring so hollow.
After a very miserable period in which his qualifications for the job were scrutinized, this should buy him time and restore his credibility. The baying crowd will have to retreat for now.
Cyriel Dessers scores his crucial equalizer against the Greeks
Striker Dessers, left, is congratulated by teammates Cerny and Diomande
Rangers boss Clement rallies his troops during the 1-1 draw
Facing Conference League holders Olympiacos in their own backyard, there was little to suggest Rangers had the tools to prevail.
What character they showed. An impressive first-half performance seemed to count for little when Olympiacos’ talisman Ayoub El Kaabi scored early in the second period.
But the collapse that so many feared did not materialize. Cyriel Dessers’ equalizer was no more than the visitors deserved.
Although the team’s problems in the Premier League remain a cause for concern, seven points from four Europa League matches is an impressive result.
Even with Manchester United and Tottenham on the horizon, you’d want Clement’s side to reach the magic number of 10 they most likely need to progress to the knockout stages after their games against Nice and Union St. Gilloise.
If his side performs with the spirit and cohesion as they do here, they might have something to say about it.
This was much better than the poor performance that the Belgian team presented in Aberdeen eight days earlier. While their inconsistency remains a concern, this was a purposeful step in the right direction.
Clement clearly had no intention of leaving this place and wondering what could have happened. Apparently unwilling to trust James Tavernier, he benched the skipper in favor of Dujon Sterling.
Considering Tavernier’s vast experience on this stage, it was a huge call. Sterling could certainly hold his head high by the time he pulled away in the second half, with his efforts largely negating Greece winger Gelson Martins.
The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium provided an extraordinary backdrop as Clement’s side’s European adventure continued.
The inhabitants of the port of Piraeus live and breathe Olympiacos. With every man, woman and child seemingly wearing the famous red and white colors, the support they gave to their favorites could have made their eardrums bleed. “Same colors, same blood,” read the banner in their ultrasound section.
With 47 titles, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side were already the most successful side in Greece before they became the first in their country’s history to lift a European trophy when they defeated Fiorentina in the Conference League final in May. The party hasn’t really stopped since then.
The club’s riches from that triumph funded a summer reboot that saw the likes of Roman Yaremchuk and Willian arrive. Rangers were grateful that the Brazilian is currently injured.
Ayoub El Kaabi gives Olympiakos the lead against Rangers with a fine shot
El Kaabi runs off to celebrate after scoring the opener for the Greek team
However, Dessers wanted to cancel that goal and acknowledges the traveling fans
Club captain James Tavernier was on the bench for the Europa League match
Christos Mouzakitis, the 17-year-old prodigy who has just been called up to the Greek team, was fit and could take his place in central midfield.
Tom Lawrence’s injury forced Clement’s hand, while Mohamed Diomande was called up. Robin Propper displaced Leon Balogun.
By far the most noticeable change, however, was Sterling playing for captain Tavernier. To put it bluntly, after a poor start to the season, the latter’s days in a Rangers jersey now appear to be numbered. Jack Butland wore the armband during his absence.
There was no great secret to Rangers’ game plan. Make sure the ball gets to Dessers as early and as often as possible. It was not easy on the eye, but to be honest it raised a lot of questions among the Greeks.
Mohamed Diomande’s cut back onto his right foot allowed him to tackle Kostas Tzolakis with an early attack.
Dessers’ first goal came on a 50-yard punt from Connor Barron. A lack of pace allowed Tzolakis to win the race.
The Nigeria international was working with the goalkeeper shortly afterwards when Barron found him again.
You could cut him some slack because he couldn’t find the net on that occasion. But when Vaclav Cerny found space on the right and hit the ball back, Dessers simply had to score. To Clement’s frustration, Tzolakis stood in the way.
While Costinha forced Butland into a save at the other end and Nico Raskin was fortunate that a cheap possession came to naught, Clement would have been pleased with what his side produced in the opening half hour.
His side posed a threat on the front foot. And when they lost the ball, they fell back into a compact shape that Olympiakos struggled to break down.
The only major scare came when Costinha found Chiquinho with a beautifully disguised forward pass that took out the visiting midfield.
Martins gathered at the overlap. To Butland’s great relief, the last goal flew into the side netting.
Cerny had been named by home manager Jose Luis Mendilibar as Rangers’ biggest threat and he lived up to that billing.
One dart from the Czech’s right left three opponents standing, although his shot had little action.
The fact that the half-time whistle blew without El Kaabi having a clear shot on target was testament to the defensive commitment of Clement’s players.
But within 11 minutes of the restart, all that good work was undone. Rangers had looked unsettled for a few minutes and seemed collectively on their heels when the ball found Chiquinho’s way in the box.
His cross caused El Kaabi to look towards his own goal. After readjusting his position, he sent the ball in through the woodwork.
For a few minutes the Rangers were all at sea. Chiquinho’s curler allowed Butland to run clear and flashed just past the far post.
Captain Jack Butland and players cheer on the traveling Rangers contingent
Clement applauded the contribution of winger Cerny, who Olympiacos identified as a danger man
Neraysho Kasanwirjo, who had replaced Sterling, struggled to keep up with the pace of the match.
A second goal would have been enough for Clement’s players at that stage. Yet they came again and took their next chance for a draw within eight minutes.
Cerny was the provider, his sharpness on a loose ball allowed him to release Dessers.
Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest co-owner Evangelos Marinakis before kick-off
The forward walked towards goal and made no mistake this time, a cute low finish evading the advancing keeper who found the far corner of the net.
Dessers could have had a second, but his shot was badly botched, with Nedim Bajrami again shooting straight at Tzolakis from a promising position.
Olympiacos looked ordinary at times, but that would be a disservice to Clement’s side.
While another home attack failed to materialize, the Belgian applauded the energy and commitment of his players. Tavernier was one of several late substitutes asked to finish the match.
Without a doubt they deserved to cross the finish line with a point. After such a disappointing season so far, this could prove to be the start of something.