An accomplished performance saw Rangers battle back from a goal down for a second consecutive game to claim a valuable Europa League point after drawing 1-1 with Olympiacos in Greece.
Philippe Clement’s side were deserving of a share of the spoils in Piraeus against the most successful club in Greek football with Ayoub El Kaabi’s second half opener cancelled out by Cyriel Dessers’ strike in front of an intimidating atmosphere at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
Last season’s Europa Conference League champions were aiming to protect an impressive home record, having not tasted defeat at home since March. However, the Ibrox side proved more than a match for their Greek counterparts and could easily have found themselves in front at half-time.
Clement made the bold decision to drop skipper James Tavernier to the bench ahead of kick-off, with the right-back position filled by Dujon Sterling. That meant Jack Butland was handed the armband, but the vice-captain didn’t have to bark out too many instructions during a strong first-half performance from the visitors.
The enigmatic Cyriel Dessers missed two gilt-edged chances including one from six yards out. At the opposite end, the Light Blues managed to restrict Olympiakos to only a couple of half-chances to ramp up the frustration of an already hostile home crowd.
The hosts improved gradually after the break and star striker El Kaabi - who scored 11 goals on route to lifting the Conference League title last term - broke the deadlock after 56 minutes. Rangers failed to deal with a cross from the right and the Moroccan international was able to peel away from his marker before firing a brilliant shot on the turn off the underside of the crossbar to leave Butland rooted to the spot.
Rangers responde was emphatic and they were back on level terms eight minutes later. Vaclav Cerny’s well-weighted pass through for Dessers saw the Nigerian frontman side-step a defender before steering a low effort into the bottom corner.
From then on, the game began to open up but neither side could find a late winner. The Govan outfit will be much happier with a point as they took another big step towards potentially securing a place in the latter stages of the competition.
Here is how GlasgowWorld rated the Rangers players in their latest Europa League clash in Athens.
1. Jack Butland - 6/10
Captaining the side, the Englishman wasn't overworked in the first-half. No chance of keeping out El Kaabi's opener. Bossed his area well and dealt with majority of crossed balls. | SNS Group
2. Dujon Sterling - 7/10
A big opportunity to make his mark in his preferred position. Limited Martins attacking threat particularly well. Was performing well before surprisingly being hooked after 51 mins by Clement. | Getty Images
3. John Souttar - 7/10
Rarely tested defensively first-half. Dropped too deep and lost his man for Olympiacos' opener. Strong headed clearance in the closing stages as the hosts' pressed for a late winner. Terrific work in stoppage time to win his side a goal kick. | SNS Group
4. Robin Propper - 7/10
Held the line well to ensure El Kaabi' strayed offside from a ball over the top in the early exchanges. Switched the play in the lead up to Dessers' second chance. Pretty faultless. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group