UEL: Rangers Share Spoils with Olympiacos After Dessers' Leveller

Olympiacos Deny Rangers Victory in Europa League Thriller

Olympiacos took the lead in the 56th minute through Ayoub El Kaabi, who...

Cyriel Dessers' equalizer earns Rangers a 1-1 draw against Olympiacos in Europa League.

Cyriel Dessers redeemed himself with a crucial equalizer in Rangers' 1-1 Europa League draw against Olympiacos at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium.

Rangers dominated the first half, creating several chances. However, Dessers, often frustrating for Gers fans, missed two opportunities. James Tavernier, the 33-year-old captain, was surprisingly benched.

Olympiacos took the lead in the 56th minute through Ayoub El Kaabi, who previously scored the Conference League final winner against Fiorentina.

Dessers leveled with a composed finish eight minutes later, securing his second goal this week, following his strike in the 2-1 Premier Sports Cup semi-final win over Motherwell.

Rangers earned a deserved draw, moving to seven points from 12. They remain in contention for the knockout stages despite upcoming challenges against Manchester United and Tottenham.

Manager Philippe Clement made bold changes, replacing Tavernier with Dujon Sterling and introducing Robin Propper and Mohamed Diomande. Tom Lawrence missed out due to a leg injury, expected to sideline him for four-to-six weeks.

Rangers started strong, utilizing long diagonal passes to gain momentum. Cerny tested Tzolakis with a drive in the 31st minute, while Gelson Martins' angled shot hit the side netting.

The Olympiacos fans voiced discontent with referee Sascha Stegemann's performance as he left the field at halftime. Meanwhile, the home team's players struggled to make an impact.

In the second half, Clement replaced Sterling with Neraysho Kasanwirjo, leaving Tavernier on the bench. Rangers soon fell behind as Chiquinho headed down a long ball for El Kaabi to score.

Rangers pushed back, with Kasanwirjo and Chiquinho curling shots wide. Then, Cyriel Dessers made amends for earlier misses, scoring his ninth goal this season.

Dessers' equalizer revitalized Rangers, who sought a winner. Bajrami's drive was saved by Tzolakis in the 73rd minute, and Dessers was later thwarted by Rodinei.

Clement made late substitutions: Hamza Igamane for Dessers (84'), Tavernier for Cerny, and Ross McCausland for Bajrami. Despite efforts, Rangers settled for a 1-1 draw.