Olympiakos 1-1 Rangers PLAYER RATINGS: Which villain turned hero? Who gave everything for the cause? Did they miss James Tavernier?
Cyriel DessersĀ secured Rangers a valuable Europa League point with the second-half equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Olympiakos in Greece.
In front of a hostile crowd, the much-maligned striker missed two chances before the interval and looked set to continue his poor run of form.Ā Ā
Ayoub El Kaabi put the home side ahead early in the second half, but Rangers hit back when Dessers sidestepped a rash challenge and found the far corner with his shot.Ā
It was a deserved point for Rangers, their seventh from four games in a European campaign that is offering respite from their domestic struggles.Ā They areĀ unbeaten in their last six Europa League away matches.
It was a tactical triumph for their manager, Philippe Clement, who dropped his captain, James Tavernier.Ā Paul ForsythĀ assesses how each of his players performed.
Connor Barron was involved in the build-up to Cyriel Dessers' second-half equaliser in Greece.
Rangers' Nico Raskin was full of commitment in their Europa League tie against Olympiakos.
Skipper James Tavernier made way for Dujon Sterling in Philippe Clement's starting XI
Ā
Jack Butland - 7
Didnāt have a save to make in the first half. A little busier after the break, but was powerless to prevent the goal.
Dujon Sterling - 6
Preferred to Tavernier, he kept one of the home sideās danger men quiet. Surprisingly subbed just after the break.
John Souttar - 7
Stayed strong for most of the game, and made some important blocks, but lost his man for the opening goal.
Robin Propper - 6
A little short of presence and authority. Competed well, but was guilty of the odd slack pass and weak clearance.
Jefte - 6.5
Show up well. Stuck to his task, prevented too many cross balls and broke forward when the opportunity arose.
Nicolas Raskin - 8
A little rash at times, but what he lacked in composure he made up for in commitment. Left everything out there.
Connor Barron - 8
Covered every blade, tracked back well and made some vital interceptions, including one in the build-up to the equaliser.
Vaclav Cerny - 7
Offered crucial creativity. His touch and cutback made the best chance of the first half and he set up Dessersā equaliser.
Mohamed Diomande - 6.5
Plenty of hard work but could have offered more in an attacking sense. Had an early shot easily saved.
Nedim Bajrami - 6
Too often lost possession, but his threat grew after the break. Drifted into one good position but the shot was too straight.
Cyriel Dessers - 6.5
Usual maddening mix. Had a tame finish when he was clean through in the first half. Tucked the equaliser away nicely.
SUBSTITUTES
Kasanwirjo (Sterling, 52min)
McCausland (Cerny, 85)
Igamane (Dessers, 85)
Tavernier (Bajrami, 85)
Not used: Kelly, Yilmaz, Dowell, Balogun, Fraser, McKinnon, Rice, Lovelace.
Philippe Clement 7
Set his team up well and they responded with character, courage and organisation.
OLYMPIAKOS
(4-2-3-1): Tzolakis 6; Costinha 6 (Pirola 77), Retsos 6, Carmo 6, Apostolopoulos 5 (Velde 46); Mouzakitis 6 (Kostoulas 87), Hezze 6; Rodinei 6, Chiquinho 6 (Sergio 77), Martins 6; El Kaabi 7.
S Stegemann (Ger) 7
