Rangers have secured progression to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, but make no mistake – it was an incredibly tense night in Athens. A 1-1 draw on the night sealed a 3-1 aggregate win, with Jack Butland once again playing the role of saviour and Djeidi Gassama delivering another moment of magic off the bench.
All Eyes on Butland
If Rangers fans were watching from behind the sofa, you wouldn’t blame them. From the first whistle, Panathinaikos came flying out of the blocks. The Greeks knew they had to chase the tie – and they did just that – forcing Rangers into mistake after mistake. Sloppy passes and a hesitant press gifted Panathinaikos chance after chance.
It was only Jack Butland who stood firm.
As he had done in the first leg, Butland pulled off a string of top-class saves – denying Ioannidis, Bakasetas, and Pellistri in quick succession. If not for the Rangers No.1, this tie would have gone very differently. Without question, he was man of the match again – a towering presence in a chaotic backline.
Gassama Magic Seals It
When Filip Duricic eventually gave Panathinaikos the lead early in the second half, tension hit boiling point. Kieran Dowell was caught ball-watching, though in fairness, he stepped out to hold the line – only for Djiga and Aarons to be slow to follow, playing Duricic onside.
But then came the response. Russell Martin immediately turned to Djeidi Gassama, and just like in the first leg, the winger delivered.
Within minutes of coming on, Gassama rifled home after Danilo had seen two efforts blocked. It was a beautiful strike – controlled, powerful, and in off the post. With only around 30 minutes of Rangers football under his belt, Gassama is already becoming a fan favourite. His energy and eye for goal are exactly what this team has been crying out for.
Dowell’s Mixed Night
Kieran Dowell put in a shift. He chased, pressed, and didn’t hide – but was still exposed at key moments. It’s clear he’s being played out of position and likely wouldn’t feature if stronger options were available. Credit to him for the effort, but the lack of depth in attacking wide positions is clear to see.
Danilo’s Invisible Contribution
Post-match, Russell Martin praised Danilo’s off-the-ball work, and while there’s truth in that, Rangers fans want more. The Brazilian worked hard but created little with the ball – and for a Rangers striker in a Champions League qualifier, that’s not enough.
Gritty, Not Pretty
This was not a performance that will live long in the memory for the right reasons. Beyond Butland and Gassama, Rangers were second-best for large spells. They lacked composure on the ball, were vulnerable at the back, and toothless up front. But in European football, it’s about getting the job done – and that’s what they did.
Importantly, Rangers are now guaranteed Europa League football as a fallback, with a massive tie against Viktoria Plzen up next in the Champions League qualifiers. The Czech side overcame Servette in a fiery second leg that saw two red cards and a 3-1 victory.
Watch Match Highlights on YouTube
What Comes Next?
Russell Martin’s side must improve. This level of performance won’t be enough to get past Plzen – or to satisfy a demanding Ibrox crowd. Rangers need to find more rhythm in attack, cut out defensive lapses, and give Butland some well-earned rest from constant firefighting.
But for now – we’re through. Just.
🔵 FT: Panathinaikos 1-1 Rangers
⚽ Djuricic (54’)
⚽ Gassama (60’)
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