Champions League Qualifier: Rangers' 'Electric Wingers' Deliver Laudrup-Like Impact

Rangers put on a commanding display to beat Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round, with new signings Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman transforming the attack.

Dynamic wing play takes centre stage

Gassama, signed from Sheffield Wednesday, struck twice in the tie against Panathinaikos and opened the scoring at Ibrox with a composed finish. On his debut, Antman’s pace and creativity led to a penalty, converted by Cyriel Dessers, and his precise cross set up Gassama’s third goal.

"He’s competitive, dynamic and brings real quality," said manager Russell Martin of the 23-year-old Finn. "And Gassama has improved his positioning to become a significant threat in front of goal."

The 21-year-old Mauritania-born winger has now netted four times in as many matches, three of which came in this competition, underlining his growing influence at Ibrox.

Expert reaction

• Peter Lovenkrands: "Antman’s pace and Gassama’s runs behind the defence are a perfect match that will energise the fans."
• Andy Halliday: "Their work rate and quality in the final third fixed a long-standing problem for Rangers on the wings."
• Derek Ferguson: "The duo added the missing speed and directness, and Antman’s decision-making was outstanding."
• Steven Thompson: "They look dangerous in every attack; what an impact from both."

Rangers’ new wide duo injected pace and precision on the flanks, revitalising the team’s attack and evoking memories of Brian Laudrup’s influence at Ibrox.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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