James flies at Olympiacos: goal, assist and win

A great goal that claimed the stands, this is how James Rodríguez closed the year in the victory of Olympiacos against Asteras Tripolis on date 15 of the Greek Super League. The Colombian was on the field until minute 72, after assisting Bakambu for the third goal. The fourth goal came at 84′ through Garry Rodrigues who took advantage of a rebound. In added time, Masouras appeared to seal the rout and give three key points to Míchel’s team, which is third in the league.

Great goal from James to increase the advantage

High pressure, the key for Olympiacos in the first minutes to open the scoring at 4′ after a shot from outside the Biel area that took advantage of the assistance of Fortounis. James had already had one at the start, but goalkeeper Papadopoulos saved without problem.

The visit reacted with Regis who crashed the ball into the post and on the rebound no one came to define the play that ended in a goal kick for Olympiacos. Asteras Tripolis knew how to get out of the pressure and took possession, but did not come close to the goal with any danger. After the 30th minute the local took the ball again.

At 35′ came James’ great goal. Play that began from the left side, was discounting rivals and approaching the area to take a powerful left foot impossible for the rival goalkeeper. Third score for the Colombian since he arrived in Greece. Celebration with controversy and claim to the rostrum. The Colombian was the best player in the first half according to SofaScore with a 7.7 rating and an 87% pass accuracy (26 successful out of 30 made).

James’ assist for Olympiacos’ win

For the second half, possession continued to be for the local team with James as the guide. Although few clear scoring chances were generated. The visit did not find a way to overcome the defensive block of its rival. Olympiacos also did not have the clarity to look for the third goal, despite the changes that the Spanish coach made with Garry Rodrigues and Bakambu.

The pressure again complicated Asteras, who at 68′ conceded the third goal after Olympiacos’ recovery in the visiting area. James was attentive to take the ball and assist Bakambu to just push it, and thus make it 3-0 with just over 20 minutes to go. The Colombian left the field at 72 ‘with gestures of discomfort for the substitution.

Two more goals came in the end. At 84 ‘Garry Rodrigues appeared to convert the fourth and In added time, Masouras sealed the win with a header after a cross from the right.

What’s next for James and Olympiacos in 2023

The first game of next year for the Colombian will be on Tuesday, January 3 at the home of Ionikos, last in the table with just 8 points. It will be for date 16 of the Greek Super League.

With 29 points, Míchel’s team remains in the European competition area, but they still need to discount the leader Panathinaikos, which is more than 8 units ahead.