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.
9. Vaclav Cerny - 7/10
Drove to the bye-line and managed to pick out Dessers which should've resulted in a goal. Dallied on the ball a few times. Goal-bound effort lacked necessary power to trouble the keeper just beyond the half hour mark. Provided a second half assist for Dessers' leveller. Subbed. | Getty Images
10. Nedim Bajrami - 7/10
Sunday's League Cup semi-final goal hero looked a real threat going forward every time he received the ball. Almost threaded a dangerous ball in behind for Dessers early in the second half that was cut out. Excellent solo run after cutting in from the left but fierce strike saved by keeper. Subbed. | Getty Images
11. Cyriel Dessers - 7/10
A busy night for the unpredictable striker. Displayed some good strength early doors as his team mates took a direct approach. Should've done better after racing clean through on goal but his tame finish lacked any sort of conviction. Another glaring chance from just a few yards out moments later led keeper to produce strong reaction save. Composed finish to steer home the equaliser into the bottom corner after dummying a defender. Subbed. | Getty Images
12. Neraysho Kasanwirjo (SUB) - 6/10
Replaced Sterling early in the second half. Almost curled home what would've been a stunning equaliser but his effort flashed just wide of the target. Produced a couple of threatening crosses. | SNS Group