Rangers Brave but Vulnerable in Champions League Qualifier Victory over Panathinaikos

Rangers secured their place in the Champions League third qualifying round despite a 1-1 draw in Athens, advancing 3-1 on aggregate against Panathinaikos.

Facing one of the toughest draws, Russell Martin’s side showed resilience and grit even when under relentless pressure from the Greek champions. Key saves from goalkeeper Jack Butland and moments of clinical finishing ensured they survived the onslaught.

“We will get better. The group will grow so much from this,” Martin said, praising his young squad’s character after the match.

Djeidi Gassama Steals the Spotlight

Substitute Djeidi Gassama struck a stunning equaliser just minutes after coming on, firing a powerful shot into the top corner to restore Rangers’ aggregate lead after Filip Duricic had put Panathinaikos ahead.

Defender John Souttar also impressed, marshaling the backline and keeping the hosts at bay during their dominant spells. “That’s how you build a team, coming through these tough moments,” he told ZAMONA Scotland.

Work to Do on Possession

Despite the victory, sloppiness on the ball remained a concern. Rangers frequently surrendered possession cheaply, and former striker Peter Lovenkrands warned that such mistakes must be corrected before facing Viktoria Plzen in the next round.

Midfielder Andy Halliday added: “Rangers are a work in progress. They’ll improve with more time and new additions.”

Rangers showed the character needed for European competition but must tighten their play to avoid costly errors in the next round.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

Discover the latest news and current events in Sports News as of 30-07-2025. The article titled " Rangers Brave but Vulnerable in Champions League Qualifier Victory over Panathinaikos " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Sports News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.

The information in " Rangers Brave but Vulnerable in Champions League Qualifier Victory over Panathinaikos " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Sports News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.