Protasov rues missed opportunity

By Paris Ayiomamatis in Athens

Olympiacos CFP were in no mood for smiles on Tuesday after failing to hang on to a 2-1 lead against Real Sociedad de Fútbol and seeing their UEFA Champions League dreams evaporate.

Short-lived lead
Gabriel Schurrer levelled three minutes after Nery Alberto Castillo had given the Greek champions the lead, taking Real to the brink of the last 16, but leaving Olympiacos relying on other results even to gain a UEFA Cup place. Coach Oleh Protasov admitted his side had been unable to hold on when it matters.

'Deserved something more'
"It was yet another night in which we deserved something more," Protasov, whose side had trailed 1-0 at half-time, said. "We should have been more careful. We conceded a goal at a very crucial stage of the match. In the second half we were much better and it is important that we turned the match around. But instead of killing the match, we conceded an equaliser."

Masterful counterattacking
Falling prey to Real's masterful counterattacking game in the first half, the hosts found themselves behind through Igor Gabilondo as he ghosted behind the Olympiacos defence to shoot. Ieroklis Stoltidis and Castillo seemed to have turned things around to the delight of the boisterous home fans, especially as Darko Kovacevic had been dismissed, but Schurrer's volley proved decisive.

'Very tight'
"We started well but then we lost our rhythm and we played with long balls which does not suit us," Protasov said. "We knew that Real play very tight at the back." He also admitted the absence of suspended captain Predrag Djordjevic had a negative impact on his team's game. "He is a very important player and we truly missed him tonight," the coach said.

'I am happy'
Despite their Champions League exit, though, Protasov still has praise for his charges. "Generally speaking I am happy with my men," he said. "It was another game which proves that Olympiacos can look any team in the eye. Indeed at certain times we pinned Sociedad down in their area."

Awaiting result
He added: "Now we will wait for the result of the match between Galatasary [SK] and Juventus [FC] next week. Our aim is to make it to the UEFA Cup and if the other results go our way we will make it." Olympiacos visit already-qualified Juventus on Matchday 6, and will hope they have beaten Galatasaray on neutral territory eight days previously to keep the Greek title-holders in third.

Denouiex delight
Real coach Raynald Denouiex will also want Juventus to avoid defeat, as that would seal their last 16 place without having to gain a point at home against Galatasaray. Denouiex said: "We are still not through, but it was a very good result for us."

'Reacted very well'
The French coach also paid tribute to his men's response after trailing 2-1. "We reacted very well, it was a very positive reaction from my men," he said. Xavi Alonso echoed the general sentiment. "We are satisfied that we got a draw considering we were down to ten men," he said. "It is in our hands now, even though Galatasaray have yet to play Juventus."

Karembeu praise
The visitors' spirit was also saluted by Olympiacos' experienced campaigner Christian Karembeu. "With ten men, Real Sociedad reacted very well," he said.