Moroccan international Ayoub El Kaabi made a return to club action on Tuesday night, featuring in Olympiacos’ Champions League victory over German side Bayer Leverkusen just days after Morocco’s defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
El Kaabi came on as a substitute in the 74th minute of the second half as Olympiacos secured a 2-0 win in Greece. His appearance followed a demanding week that saw him involved in back-to-back high-profile fixtures at both international and club levels.
The striker had played a starting role for Morocco in the AFCON final on Sunday, where the Atlas Lions suffered a narrow loss to Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the continental title, El Kaabi quickly shifted focus to his club responsibilities.
On Monday, he was present at the official reception organised for the national team by His Highness Prince Moulay Rachid at the Guest Palace, before travelling to rejoin his Olympiacos teammates.
His involvement in the Champions League victory underlined his rapid transition from international duty to club competition, as Olympiacos continued their European campaign with a solid home win.
