Key Takeaways from Olympiacos vs NEC Nijmegen

Although it was only the first official match of the season, Olympiacos' performance

against Nijmegen raised more questions than answers. Beyond the result, José Luis

Mendilibar's side looked toothless in attack and failed to impose themselves on the

game. The Greek team will travel to the Netherlands knowing that only a victory will

keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Guest Writer Vicenç Clos Balcells exposes three key aspects of the game to understand what

happened:

1. MENDILIBAR’S DECISION TO PUT RODINEI ON THE WING

Rodinei is probably one of the most underrated full-backs in European football. The

experienced Brazilian stands out for his defensive solidity, intensity in duels and the

reliability he brings down the right flank. Those qualities were instrumental in

Olympiacos' historic 2023/24 Conference League triumph, when the Greek side stunned

Europe by lifting their first-ever European trophy.

Yesterday, however, José Luis Mendilibar deployed him as a winger, a decision that

looks set to become a recurring feature throughout the 2026/27 campaign. The result

was an unfamiliar version of Rodinei, far removed from the one that has excelled at

right-back. He had very little influence in the final third and struggled to create any real

danger.

The statistics backed up that impression. He was involved in 57 on-ball actions but lost

possession 27 times, attempted just one dribble without success, completed only one of

his five crosses and produced just a single key pass. It was surprising to see him

remain on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

2. JOEL ROCA’S DEBUT

Joel Roca's official debut for Olympiacos left mixed feelings. The young Catalan winger

was not particularly sharp in his decision-making or in decisive moments, but he

showed a very proactive attitude throughout the 45 minutes he spent on the pitch. He

constantly demanded the ball, looked to beat his marker in one-on-one situations and

never shied away from taking defenders on. Even so, José Luis Mendilibar decided to

replace him at half-time.

His confidence on the ball, however, comes as no surprise. During his time at Girona,

he had already established himself as a winger capable of providing directness,

fearlessness and explosiveness every time he got involved. That ability to unsettle

defenders is precisely the profile Olympiacos hope to rediscover with his arrival.

3. MOUZAKITIS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE FROM SET PIECES

Christos Mouzakitis once again showed why he is regarded as one of Olympiacos' most

gifted young players. The 19-year-old midfielder possesses an outstanding left foot and

was entrusted with every set-piece throughout the match, becoming one of his side's

main attacking weapons, particularly from corners.

His delivery consistently caused problems for the NEC Nijmegen defence. He finished

the game with four key passes and completed three of the four crosses he attempted,

underlining the quality of his distribution. However, his contribution was not limited to the

final third. Mouzakitis also impressed defensively, registering nine ball recoveries and

demonstrating the work rate to complement his technical ability.

Despite being only 19 years old, the Greek midfielder already has considerable

experience at senior level and his performance suggested he is ready to play an even

more influential role for Olympiacos this season.

Even so, the tie remains wide open. Olympiacos will have to produce a far more

convincing performance in the second leg if they are to avoid one of the biggest upsets

of this Champions League qualifying round. José Luis Mendilibar's side will need

greater fluency in possession, more attacking presence and better solutions to break

down an NEC Nijmegen team that, far from being intimidated by their lack of European

experience, has displayed personality, bravery and impressive tactical discipline.

If the Greek champions fail to raise their level, the Dutch side have every reason to

believe they can complete what would be a truly historic qualification.