🔴⚪ WHAT RENNES REVEALED ABOUT OLYMPIACOS' EUROPEAN CAMPAIGN

Four matches, three wins, one draw. Olympiacos remain unbeaten in the UEFA Europa League, but their trip to France revealed an area that could make the difference as the competition progresses: finishing.

Two days after Wednesday’s goalless draw at Roazhon Park, the result offers an opportunity to look beyond the scoreline.

Olympiacos left Rennes with a valuable away point and an impressive European record. Yet after creating several promising chances, the Red and Whites also had reasons to wonder whether they could have returned to Greece with all three points.

A STRONG START THAT DESERVED MORE

Olympiacos approached the game with confidence and immediately threatened the French defence.

Within the opening minute, Kostas Fortounis delivered a cross towards Armando González, whose header went off target.

Gustavo Puerta then came close to opening the scoring, forcing a save from Brice Samba before the ball struck the post.

Fortounis and Leon Bailey also contributed to the visitors’ attacking pressure.

The statistics reflected that initiative.

Olympiacos finished with 58% possession and 12 attempts, compared with Rennes’ nine shots.

But there was one detail that captured the challenge facing the Greek side: despite taking more shots, Olympiacos registered only three on target, while Rennes managed four.

The visitors had opportunities. They simply could not find the finishing touch.

DEFENSIVE STABILITY AND AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION FROM ORTEGA

Rennes had their own dangerous moments.

Charlie Cresswell threatened from a set piece, while Mousa Al-Taamari caused problems with his movement and attacking runs.

In the closing stages, Valentin Rongier forced Stefan Ortega into an important save that helped preserve the clean sheet.

This was another reminder of the value of Olympiacos’ defensive organisation.

Across four Europa League matches, Thrylos have conceded only once.

That record deserves recognition, particularly after travelling to two French opponents during the league phase.

However, keeping clean sheets cannot always compensate for missed opportunities at the other end.

A strong European team needs defensive consistency and attacking efficiency to work together.

ALGUACIL SEES THE POSITIVES

Following the match, Imanol Alguacil expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and the point collected in France.

The Olympiacos coach acknowledged that his players had created opportunities to win the match, while emphasising the difficulty of securing victories in European competition.

He also praised the contributions of players who entered the starting lineup, including Bailey and Gustavo Sá, and recognised Fortounis’ quality and experience.

His assessment was an important reminder that not every draw represents a disappointing performance.

Olympiacos competed, created chances and remained organised.

The missing element was the goal.

ARMANDO GONZÁLEZ RETURNS TO THE STARTING XI

For Mexican supporters following Olympiacos, Wednesday also brought the return of Armando González to the starting lineup.

After two matches without playing, the No. 34 striker was given the opportunity to lead the attack against Rennes.

His first chance came almost immediately, but his header did not find the target.

González was replaced by Roman Yaremchuk around the 59th minute.

It was not a goalscoring performance, but it was an opportunity to gain important European experience.

There is a balance worth maintaining when evaluating a young striker.

He should be credited for his movement into dangerous positions, while also being held accountable for the chances he does not convert.

The same standard should apply to every attacking player.

TEN POINTS AND A BIGGER CHALLENGE AHEAD

Olympiacos’ Europa League campaign now stands at:

* Olympiacos 2–1 Jagiellonia

* Marseille 0–1 Olympiacos

* Olympiacos 1–0 Sparta Prague

* Rennes 0–0 Olympiacos

Ten points from twelve available. Four goals scored. One conceded.

Those numbers reflect an encouraging European campaign.

But they also point towards the next stage of the team’s development.

Can Olympiacos maintain this defensive standard while becoming more clinical in front of goal?

That question becomes particularly relevant as the team returns to domestic competition, with a major league encounter against PAOK on Sunday.

❤️ WHAT DO YOU THINK, THRYLOS FANS?

Was the draw against Rennes a good result away from home, or a missed opportunity after Olympiacos’ promising start?

And what should Alguacil prioritise as the team prepares for another demanding fixture?

Ten points. Still unbeaten. The European journey continues.

ΠΑΜΕ ΘΡΥΛΕ! 🔴⚪❤️

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