3 positives, 3 negatives from Olympiacos' 2-1 win against Asteras

In a gripping encounter in the Greek Super League, Olympiacos emerged victorious against Asteras Tripolis with a hard-fought 2-1 win. The match showcased both positive and negative aspects for the reigning champions, highlighting areas of strength as well as areas needing improvement.

Positive aspects

1. Resilience of Olympiacos: Despite trailing for over 20 minutes in the second half, Olympiacos displayed commendable resilience by refusing to give up. They continued to press for the equalizer, which eventually came in the 79th minute courtesy of a penalty converted by Ayoub El Kaabi.

The Moroccan striker then sealed the win with another goal in the 87th minute, assisted by André Horta, showcasing the team's determination and ability to overturn deficits.

2. André Horta's midfield mastery: The standout performance of André Horta in midfield was crucial for Olympiacos. With Argentine Santiago Hezze struggling with fatigue in midfield due to a heavy workload, Horta's stellar display provided much-needed support.

The depth and quality of Olympiacos' midfield, boasting talents like Horta, Hezze, Chiquinho, Vicente Iborra and Sotiris Alexandropoulos demonstrate the strength of their squad.

3. Vital league points: Securing 3 points against Asteras Tripolis was vital for Olympiacos' league campaign. With rivals Panathinaikos dropping points in their match against AE Kifisia FC (1-1), Olympiacos narrowed the gap in the standings, positioning themselves in 4th place just 2 points behind Panathinaikos. This victory significantly enhances their prospects of qualifying for UEFA competitions next season.

Negative aspects

1. Struggles to convert dominance: Despite dominating possession and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Olympiacos faced difficulties in converting their chances into goals.

The overreliance on El Kaabi for goals underscores the need for more clinical finishing and a diversified attacking approach.

2. Fatigue concerns: The evident fatigue among Olympiacos players at the end of the match raises concerns about their ability to cope with a congested fixture schedule.

Despite boasting a deep squad, the strain of playing matches every three days is beginning to take its toll, potentially affecting their performance in upcoming fixtures.

3. Difficulty in routine matches: Olympiacos' struggle to secure a comfortable victory against Asteras Tripolis, despite their dominance, is worrisome.

While every opponent deserves respect, the inability to capitalize on superiority raises questions about their consistency and ability to navigate seemingly straightforward matches.

The match between Olympiacos and Asteras Tripolis showcased both the resilience and vulnerabilities of the Red and Whites. While their ability to overcome deficits and secure vital league points is commendable, concerns remain regarding their efficiency in front of goal and ability to manage fatigue effectively.

Addressing these issues will be crucial for Olympiacos as they continue their pursuit of success in the Greek Super League.