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Champions League
NEC stunned the odds-makers with a composed 0-0 draw against Olympiacos in Athens in the first leg of their Champions League qualification clash, leaving this tie wide open heading into the return fixture.
NEC travelled to Greece and walked away with exactly the result they needed. A 0-0 draw against Olympiacos in the first leg of their Champions League qualification tie keeps everything alive heading into the return fixture in Nijmegen. For a side that most neutrals expected to be on the back foot all evening, Dick Schreuder's men showed real spine in Athens.
This was no bus-parking exercise. NEC were assertive from kickoff, controlling possession and territory for long stretches of the first half. Schreuder clearly had his side drilled to press high and deny Olympiacos any rhythm, and the plan worked. The Greek giants, playing in front of their own fans, looked frustrated and struggled to carve out clear-cut chances for much of the evening.
The best opportunities actually fell to NEC. Jamiro Monteiro came agonisingly close just before the break, while Sami Ouaissa rattled the post earlier in the half, though the flag went up for offside. Those near-misses will sting. NEC know they should be heading home with at least a one-goal cushion.
Goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz deserves a special mention. Olympiacos managed only three shots from distance that carried any real threat, and Crettaz dealt with all of them impressively. For a keeper who doesn't boast the most imposing physical frame, he showed excellent reactions and positioning. If NEC are going to navigate this tie, they'll need more of the same from him in the second leg.
One of the most intriguing storylines was how much room Tjaronn Chery found on the right side. The experienced midfielder repeatedly drifted into pockets of space that Olympiacos simply could not shut down. Chery himself acknowledged after the match that NEC did not fully capitalise on their positional advantages, and that sense of missed opportunity lingers. If the same gaps appear in the second leg, NEC cannot afford to be wasteful again.
Before the match, it was confirmed that Kodai Sano would not feature, with a move to PSV reportedly close to completion. It's the kind of disruption no side wants during a Champions League qualifier, but Chery played down any negative impact, noting that Monteiro stepped in seamlessly and delivered a strong performance. Still, losing a key player mid-campaign raises questions about squad depth for the matches ahead.
Chery offered reassurance about the club's direction, expressing confidence that NEC's management can handle both incoming and outgoing transfers while keeping the squad competitive. With Schreuder reportedly looking to add reinforcements, the next few weeks could shape NEC's entire season.
The scoreline leaves this tie perfectly poised. NEC will fancy their chances at home, especially given the tactical blueprint that worked so well in Athens. However, Olympiacos are a battle-hardened side in European competition and will not travel to the Netherlands expecting anything less than a fight. The question for NEC is whether they can sustain the same intensity over 90 minutes at home, particularly if the Greek side adjust their approach to exploit the flanks and test Crettaz with more direct pressure.
For bettors and fans alike, the second leg promises drama. A goalless first leg in a Champions League qualifier is often the precursor to an explosive return fixture, and this one has all the ingredients: a confident underdog, a wounded favourite, and everything still to play for.
For the latest odds and exciting betting opportunities on the Champions League qualifiers and other top football fixtures, head over to Epicbet.
Robert
