Rangers Striker Dessers Secures Critical Draw in Greece Against Olympiacos
In a tense Europa League clash at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers emerged as the hero, clinching a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Olympiacos. Philippe Clement’s side faced intense pressure, conceding a second-half goal to Moroccan forward Ayoub El Kaabi—his fourth in four tournament games.
Yet, Dessers’ equalizer secured an important point, bringing Rangers to eight points in four games as they aim to secure at least a playoff spot.
The match unfolded in a challenging atmosphere, with Rangers battling the intense crowd support behind Olympiacos. However, the Scottish side managed the conditions well and created the game’s first clear opportunity.
Forward Tomas Cerny, who had shone in Rangers’ recent victory over Steaua Bucharest, created a dangerous chance by beating defenders on the right and setting up Dessers. The forward’s shot was on target but was expertly blocked by Olympiacos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Rangers seemed the more dangerous side in the first half, with goalkeeper Jack Butland rarely tested. Olympiacos had a brief opportunity when a lapse in Rangers’ defense opened up a chance on the counter-attack, but former Portugal international Gelson Martins missed the target, hitting the side netting.
Clement likely saw much to be pleased with in his team’s opening half performance, but the momentum shifted after the break. Just 10 minutes into the second half, Olympiacos broke the deadlock. El Kaabi found space amid loose marking from Rangers and struck a powerful shot that left Butland with little chance.
The goal followed an unexpected change by Clement, who replaced Dujon Sterling with Neraysho Kasanwirjo. The Dutch substitute soon made an impact, narrowly missing a shot from a promising position.
Rangers, however, were undeterred and fought back to level the score. Cerny was instrumental again, threading a well-timed through-ball to Dessers, who expertly faked out the defender before slotting the ball into the net with composure.
This late goal rescued a valuable point for Rangers, keeping their Europa League ambitions alive as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.