This video can not be played
Highlights: Panathinaikos 1-1 Rangers
As the final whistle echoed through a sweltering Athens evening, marking a contest where Rangers exhibited both commendable resilience and periods of vulnerability, Russell Martin’s squad ultimately secured their objective.
The Champions League second round qualifier draw presented a daunting challenge in Panathinaikos, potentially the most perilous initial hurdle towards the league phase. Rangers navigated this obstacle with a blend of fortune and determination from Glasgow to Greece.
While indebted to Greek profligacy and Jack Butland’s outstanding goalkeeping for their advancement to the next round, the character displayed by a team undergoing a significant overhaul under its new head coach was admirable, culminating in a 1-1 draw on the night and a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Martin had urged his players to demonstrate resilience against the Panathinaikos onslaught, and despite concerns in other facets of their game, they delivered this quality in abundance.
“We will get better. The group will grow so much from this,” Martin stated post-match. His current challenge lies in enhancing the team’s quality, building upon the foundation of character demonstrated in these two demanding encounters.
“The big thing for me with Russell Martin is that he thrives on the training ground,” former Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell commented on BBC Sportsound.
“The longer he has with his players, the better they will get.
“This Rangers team showed a bit of character. It’s all positive at the moment, they just need to keep this momentum going.”
‘We’ll grow’ – Martin’s pride as Rangers overcome stern Panathinaikos test
Djeidi Gassama is poised to dominate headlines following his consecutive stunning and crucial goals.
The hosts had just taken the lead on the night after VAR confirmed Filip Duricic was onside when he headed past Butland. The Rangers’ defense had finally been breached, leaving ample time to overturn their diminishing aggregate advantage.
However, Gassama, just three minutes after entering the game and seven minutes after the opener, unleashed a powerful shot that deflected off the post, effectively halting the hosts’ momentum.
Despite his impactful contribution, John Souttar epitomized the Rangers’ team spirit, standing firm at the heart of the defense as the Greek side threatened to dismantle their structure.
“That’s how you build a team, coming through those tough moments,” Souttar told BBC Scotland.
“It shows our mentality. There are going to be times things don’t go our way. We’ve got [Butland] to thank because he was excellent again.
“We could have been better on the ball but it’s a new team and that’s a big win for us.”
The recurring issue of failing to maintain possession was evident across both legs. Rangers players consistently surrendered the ball cheaply during the first halves of each match.
They were fortunate to avoid severe consequences against Panathinaikos, but as they progress through the qualifying rounds and, hopefully, into the Champions League league phase, such carelessness must be eliminated from their game.
“If Gassama hadn’t scored then, I think Rangers could have potentially conceded the game because at that point they were all over the place still and Panathinaikos were still dominant,” said former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands on Sportsound.
“Rangers don’t really have time. The style of play right now, seems like it’s not really working right now. That needs to be tidied up before the next round.”
In the next round, Rangers will face the Czech side Viktoria Plzen, presenting another demanding test that will require Martin’s team to elevate their performance.
“You would anticipate they are probably weaker opponents than Panathinaikos, but if Rangers play like they’ve played over the two ties, they’re going to make it difficult for themselves,” said former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday.
“Rangers are a work in progress and will definitely improve on what they’ve shown over the two legs.
“There are a lot of things for them to work on and new faces will help as well.”