As Olympiacos prepares to face PSV again, we look back at their last meeting in 2021 — a thrilling Europa League knockout tie remembered for intensity, character and key individual performances.
This time, we don’t just revisit the match.
We rate the key players from 2021 and compare them directly to their 2025 counterparts to see who represents an upgrade, a downgrade, or a perfect replacement.
José Sá — 7/10
It wasn’t as easy to deal with the goals as it may have seemed. Sá showed real composure, remained consistently reliable, and read the final dangerous sequence superbly, coming off his line to clear the situation.
After Olympiacos: Sá is arguably the only goalkeeper in the club’s modern era who left and achieved an even bigger career, becoming a standout Premier League keeper with Wolves
Comparison → Today: Tzolakis
There’s no outright winner between the two — both are high-level goalkeepers.
Tzolakis is viewed as Sá’s natural successor and, if he stays, could surpass the Portuguese long-term.
A major bonus: he is homegrown, offering continuity and identity.
Sokratis — 6/10
He could have reacted better on the goals conceded, and that drags his rating down. However, his experience showed in several important interventions, bringing leadership and calm when needed.
After Olympiacos: Left for a surprising move to Real Betis in La Liga, where he soon ended his career.
Comparison → Today: Retsos
Sokratis’ return in 2021 created buzz — a big name coming home after a top European career. Realistically, though, his prime years were behind him. He did contribute over his 2.5-year spell, but his arrival arguably complicated the squad structure more than it elevated it. Today, Retsos is a clear upgrade: one of the best centre-backs in club history, more complete, more modern, and more central to the team’s identity and strategy.
Ousseynou Ba — 8/10
Fantastic game from the Senegalese defender. He shouldered more defensive responsibility than Sokratis, played with real physicality, avoided major mistakes, and helped secure a big win.
A standout performance — possibly his best European night.
After Olympiacos: Despite his tools, his development stagnated. Olympiacos did not manage to sell him for what they could have. He now continues his career in Turkey.
Comparison → Today: Pirola
Ba had clear attributes and proved himself in several big matches. Unfortunately, his career progression stalled; Olympiacos ultimately didn’t capitalize financially as they might have. Pirola represents a similar profile — the tools are there, but he still needs to show more. Right now, it’s too early to call who sits above the other.
Kenny Lala — 7/10
Quiet but highly effective on both ends. Nearly scored at 29’, and made an important block on Götze late in the first half. Stayed consistent until subbed off on 80’.
After Olympiacos: A winter arrival with solid Ligue 1 credentials, expectations were high. His spell wasn’t poor, but he didn’t leave a lasting mark. Returned to France where he now plays for Brest, performing notably well.
Comparison with today: Costinha
Costinha is a clearly better and more compatible option. He may offer slightly less going forward, but his intensity and defensive reliability make him tactically superior.
Oleg Reabciuk — 7/10
Similar contribution to Lala, but with notably more ball involvement — the most touches of any Olympiacos player by far.
After Olympiacos: Often undervalued due to limited technical flair, yet tactically reliable, athletic and consistent. A successful signing, ultimately sold well to Spartak Moscow, where he still plays.
Comparison with today: Ortega
Ortega is also approaching 2.5 years. Part of several successes but not clearly among the most decisive players.
Yann M’Vila — 9/10
An imperial midfield display. Dictated buildup, controlled rhythm, and positioned himself perfectly defensively. Scored a stunning volleyball-style strike to restore the lead — a pivotal MVP moment.
After Olympiacos: One of the best defensive midfielders ever to wear red-and-white. Gave everything on the pitch. Continues his career in France’s Ligue 2 at a respectable level.
Comparison vs today: García
Iborra later proved key in the Conference League victory, while García — now almost two years in — shares stylistic similarities with M’Vila and has contributed significantly.
Still, surpassing M’Vila looks unlikely.
Andreas Bouchalakis — 9/10
Opened the scoring with a brilliant header. Circulated possession beautifully, helping control the tempo. Made a few errors, but overall this was one of his strongest European appearances — hence the high rating.
After Olympiacos: A midfielder who wrote his own chapter in club history, serving as a vital starter during multiple title runs. After a stint in Germany’s second division with historic Hertha, he returned to Greece, now at Panetolikos.
Comparison vs today: Mouzakitis
The left-footed central midfielder today is Mouzakitis. Out of respect for the youngster — and acknowledging his early signs of real quality — we call this a draw. He still has a long way to go to surpass Bouchalakis, but the talent is there.
Mady Camara — 9/10
No goal or assist, but that hardly matters. He was everywhere for the full 90 minutes — pressing, covering space, winning duels, and driving the team forward. His technique and intensity frustrated PSV, who repeatedly resorted to hard fouls. Nearly scored before halftime after a brilliant ball recovery. One of the best on the pitch.
After Olympiacos: One of the finest midfielders to wear red and white in the past decade. A complete player with no major flaws and huge contribution over the years. His exit was somewhat controversial, and the club didn’t cash out according to his true value. Today he plays for PAOK, where he was arguably their MVP last season.
Comparison vs today: Hesse has been respectable over these two-plus years — the two even overlapped at the club — and his Conference League final assist earned him a special place in fans’ hearts. Still, from a purely footballing perspective, Camara is clearly superior.
Alternative comparison: If the comparison is instead made with Chiquinho , then the verdict is a draw.
Both are key in different ways: Camara excels through athleticism, intensity, and two-way presence. Chiquinho stands out for his technique, link-up play, and ball security.
Mathieu Valbuena — 8/10
Opened the scoring indirectly: his clever free-kick set up Bouchalakis’ header. Despite his age, displayed incredible passion, engaged in numerous duels, and heavily influenced the match.
After Olympiacos: Perhaps the Spanoulis of football in mentality. Continued with distinction in Cyprus and Greece (Kallithea), and now contributes to Olympiacos’ B team in Beta Ethniki.
Comparison vs today: Podence
Podence is slightly more impactful for the team currently and at a similar height/style. Valbuena maintained his class even at advanced age, so we call this a draw, slightly favoring the Frenchman for experience and legacy.
Bruma — 8/10
An explosive first half, one of the main reasons for Olympiacos’ victory. Won the free-kick for the opening goal, effectively assisted the second, and constantly troubled the Dutch defense with his speed.
After Olympiacos: Funny twist: he played for Olympiacos on loan from PSV. Short stint but managed to score several goals. Continued successfully at Braga, scoring plenty more. A very talented player.
Comparison vs today: Gelson
We’ll match him with Gelson — similar Portuguese-Cape Verdean profile, explosive wingers. Gelson may accumulate more stats at Olympiacos, but qualitatively they are very close.
Youssef El Arabi — 8/10
Stayed active and ran a lot despite being a technically skilled forward. Showcased his class at the end of the first half, scoring a crucial goal with technical precision and calmness — pivotal for team morale and giving Olympiacos the lead.
After Olympiacos: No need for long introductions: one of the club’s all-time top strikers. Even as a substitute, he contributed to the Conference League success. Continued successfully at APOEL, and now plays for Nantes in Ligue 1.
Comparison vs today: His presence may have even influenced the signing of compatriot El Kaabi, who has already grown into a major contributor.
Substitutes
Masouras — 7/10
Seized his opportunity, finishing with a brilliant strike to seal a memorable night for Olympiacos.
Fortounis — 6/10
Made an impact in limited minutes; Masouras’ goal came from his dribble.
Vrousai — 6/10
Similar contribution; almost assisted but was stopped by the defense.
Androutsos — 6/10
Short time on the pitch, gave everything, played his part.
Hassan — N/A
Denied a scoring chance at 86’ by a PSV defender.
Coach: Pedro Martins — 9/10
A historic night for the club. Team was tactically and psychologically superb, substitutions were effective, could not have done better.
After Olympiacos: Became the record-holding coach for appearances at the club. Left under controversial circumstances, now entering 3rd year at Al-Gharafa (Qatar), continuing his methodical success.
Comparison vs today: Mendilibar
Mendilibar is loved by Olympiacos fans for the monumental Conference League win.
Respecting Martins’ legacy, draw is fair, with the caveat that the Basque coach may earn more titles in the future.
PSV Eindhoven 2021 — Key Players & Coach
Denzel Dumfries – World-class right-back, later at Inter.
Eran Zahavi – Israeli striker, Olympiacos’ nightmare in the tie.
Mario Götze – German legend, technically brilliant.
Max – Former top-class left-back, now retired/less active (Panathinaikos).
Others of note: CB Teze, midfielder Sangaré, striker Malen.
Coach: Roger Schmidt (Germany): A tactically astute coach with a distinguished career, including Benfica, leading PSV during that European campaign.
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