Wolves booked a Europa League quarter final meeting with Sevilla with a 1-0 win over Olympiacos, helping them progress 2-1 on aggregate on Thursday night.
The Premier League side got off to the perfect start when Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot after Daniel Podence was barged over the box. Olympiacos midfielder Mady Camara then thought he had equalised, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
After the break, Wolves looked nervy with the visitors going close on more than one occasion. Mainly thanks to the goalkeeping heroics of Rui Patricio, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side managed to hold on and they will now take on Sevilla on Tuesday night for a place in the final four.
Here’s all the player ratings from a nervy night at Molineux…
Rui Patricio (GK) – 8/10 – Made a brilliant save in the first half, tipping a fierce Konstantinos Tsimikas drive around the post. He then made an even better one with ten minutes left to play – pretty much winning his side the tie.
Matt Doherty (RWB) – 6/10 – Was engaged in a fascinating a battle with Tsimikas down the right-hand side and the Greek defender had the beating of him on several occasions.
Willy Boly (CB) – 6/10 – A few defensive missteps that luckily went unpunished. He could have scored if Ruben Neves’ rebound had fallen to him more kindly.
Conor Coady (CB) – 7/10 – Coady’s never ending season continued and he showed no signs of fatigue, mopping up nicely and making some vital interceptions.
Romain Saiss (CB) – 7/10 – Solid for most of the game and distributed the ball well.
Jonny (LWB) – 6/10 – Forced to withdraw early in the first half due to injury.
Ruben Neves (CM) – 6/10 – Was fortunate that Camara’s goal was ruled out as he was culpable, failing to track his opposite number’s run. Used the ball quite well when he got it though.
Joao Moutinho (CM) – 6/10 – A very similar performance to his midfield partner and compatriot. Often allowed Olympiacos to break the lines too easily but sprayed some tasty passes.
Adama Traore (RW) – 6/10 – Was uncharacteristically quiet during the hour he spent on the pitch. When he did turn it on though, he was impossible to handle – as per usual.
Raul Jimenez (ST) – 7/10 – I wanted to give him 11/10 for trying that ridiculous rabona in the first half, but apparently, “it would bring the sacred institution of player ratings into disrepute”. In all seriousness, the Mexican showed nerves of steels to convert that winning penalty.
Daniel Podence (LW) – 7/10 – A constant menace against his former club. He won the penalty for Wolves and could have had at least one goal of his own if he had brought his shooting boots. Also missed a golden opportunity to give Diogo Jota a tap in just before being substituted.
Ruben Vinagre – 7/10 – Marshalled the left hand side steadily after Jonny’s withdrawal due to injury.
Diogo Jota – 5/10 – Missed a gilt edged chance to settle the game in the closing stages.
Leander Dendoncker – 5/10 – Was brought on to add greater solidity. That did not happen…