In Piraeus, Armando “Hormiga” González has experienced a first taste of Greece’s fiercest footballing divide. The Mexican forward did not leave the Olympiacos bench for the 1-0 derby win over Panathinaikos, yet he joined the dressing-room celebrations with the same energy as those who had played.
The news from the club
Olympiacos shared footage of their post-match dressing room after the victory over Panathinaikos, with players singing together following the narrow derby success. González can be seen changing, clapping and whistling as he takes part in the celebrations.
The former Chivas player sang alongside his team-mates in a chant about a side that gives everything for its supporters and plays with its heart.
It was the first match in which González remained an unused substitute since arriving in Greece. He has otherwise featured in seven of Olympiacos’ eight available matches, taking the field in six of them.
The 147 minutes he has accumulated in four league appearances have yet to bring a goal. His most recent league outing came on 20 September against Levadiakos, when he played 14 minutes before the international break.
His more decisive early contributions have come in knockout and continental football. González started twice in the Greek Cup and delivered in both fixtures: against AE Larisa, he scored once and provided an assist in a 4-0 win; against Volos, he registered two goals and another assist in a 3-2 victory.
He also started Olympiacos’ Europa League opener against Jagiellonia, scoring in the Greek club’s 2-1 win.
Next stop: Marseille
Olympiacos now travel from Athens to southern France for Europa League matchday two, where Olympique Marseille await at the Stade Vélodrome.
The match is scheduled for Thursday 15 October at 13:00 Central Mexico time, and offers González another opportunity to add to his promising start in European competition.
