Rangers secured a 3-1 aggregate victory over Panathinaikos in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, with Djeidi Gassama once again making an impact off the bench. After a goalless first half in Athens, the Greek side took the lead through Filip Djuricic’s header in the 53rd minute, but Gassama levelled the second leg with a stunning drive moments later.
Jack Butland was instrumental for Rangers, making crucial saves in both legs to keep Panathinaikos at bay. The home side dominated the first half, with Facundo Pellistri missing a clear chance and Butland denying Fotis Ioannidis. However, Rangers held firm and struck back after the interval to maintain their two-goal advantage from the first leg.
Manager Russell Martin praised his team’s resilience, describing the tie as a difficult test early in their development. The victory sets up a third qualifying round meeting with Czech side Viktoria Plzen, guaranteeing Rangers European group-stage football this season.
