Valiant but Vulnerable – How Rangers Escaped the Heat of Athens with Hope
When the final whistle echoed through the sweltering Athenian night, Rangers had just written another chapter in their Champions League qualifying story—one of determination, nerve, and survival. The 1-1 draw against Panathinaikos (3-1 on aggregate) secured their passage to the next round, but the performance was far from perfect. Under Russell Martin’s guidance, Rangers showcased both their strengths and weaknesses, proving they can grind out results when the pressure mounts.
A Night of Grit and Tension
From the first minute, Panathinaikos turned up the heat, pressing Rangers into defensive disarray. The Greek side’s relentless attacks exposed gaps in Martin’s system, particularly in wide areas where his full-backs struggled to contain the overloads. The breakthrough finally came when Filip Duricic’s powerful header found the net—initially ruled offside before VAR overturned the decision, sending an electric jolt of anxiety through the Rangers faithful.
For a brief moment, it seemed as though the tie might slip away. Panathinaikos, reinvigorated by their goal, surged forward in search of a second. But when all seemed set for a nail-biting finale, substitute Djeidi Gassama delivered a moment of pure quality. Cutting inside onto his favored foot, the winger unleashed a thunderous strike that cannoned off the post and in, silencing the raucous home crowd. His instinctive finish was the difference between stress and serenity—a reminder of Rangers’ ability to strike when it matters most.
The Defensive Battle: Heroics and Concerns
While Gassama’s goal captured the headlines, Rangers’ progress hinged on their defensive resilience. Goalkeeper Jack Butland pulled off a string of vital saves, confirming his reputation as one of British football’s most reliable shot-stoppers. In front of him, John Souttar marshaled the backline with commanding presence, throwing his body into every challenge to keep Panathinaikos at bay.
That’s what you need in these places—every man stepping up when the pressure is on, Souttar told BBC Scotland post-match. His performance epitomized the gritty mentality Martin is instilling in his squad.
Yet, for all the defensive bravery, concerns linger. Rangers’ build-up play was frequently disrupted, with Panathinaikos forcing errors through their high press. Loose passes and shaky possession spells undermined their ability to control the game—a flaw that could be ruthlessly exploited by stronger opponents in later rounds. Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands was vocal about the issue:
If not for Gassama’s goal, we could be talking about a very different outcome. There are clear areas to improve if they want to compete at this level.
What’s Next for Rangers in the Champions League?
With Panathinaikos overcome, Rangers now face Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the next qualifying round. While they start as favorites, complacency would be fatal. Plzen may lack the star power of Panathinaikos, but their disciplined, organized approach will demand a sharper performance from Martin’s men.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday offered a balanced assessment:
They got the job done in Athens, but it wasn’t convincing. There’s clear potential in this squad, but they’ll need to be more composed if they want to reach the group stages.
Russell Martin knows the stakes. Post-match, he acknowledged the challenges while reinforcing his belief in the squad’s progress:
We’ll get better. Nights like this are about character as much as tactics, and we showed we can handle it. The fluency will come. His task is clear—tighten the defensive structure while ensuring his team can dictate play rather than merely survive it.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress with Promise
Rangers’ escape from Athens was a mix of valor and vulnerability—a testament to their fighting spirit but also a warning of the improvements needed. The ability to find a way through adversity is invaluable, but relying on individual brilliance and rearguard heroics won’t always be enough.
For Martin and his players, the road ahead is both exciting and demanding. The Rangers squad has the foundation of resilience; now they must refine their game to match the elite. If they can rise to the challenge, this valiant but vulnerable team might just keep defying expectations in the Champions League—where every moment counts.
