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Rangers beat Panathinaikos 2-0 in Champions League qualifying

Rangers secured a crucial victory in their Champions League qualifier, with goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama.

July 22, 2025 at 08:45 PM

Rangers 2-0 Panathinaikos: Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama on target as Russell Martin era starts with victory

Rangers start their Champions League campaign with a strong performance against Panathinaikos.

Rangers secure 2-0 win against Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifier

Rangers kicked off their season with a 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier. The match took place at Ibrox Stadium, where the excitement was palpable for head coach Russell Martin's first official game. After a first half marked by missed opportunities, 19-year-old Findlay Curtis scored a stunning goal in the second half. The Greek side faced further challenges when Georgios Vagiannidis received a red card, leading to Djeidi Gassama scoring a second goal for Rangers. The win positions Rangers favorably ahead of the return leg in Athens on July 30, easing the tension surrounding Martin's new beginning.

Key Takeaways

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Rangers start their Champions League campaign strong with a 2-0 victory.

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Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama both scored crucial goals.

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Curtis's goal came after a period of pressure from Panathinaikos.

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Georgios Vagiannidis was sent off, reducing Panathinaikos to ten men.

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Rangers' defensive efforts were bolstered by goalkeeper Jack Butland.

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The team displayed resilience under new coach Russell Martin.

"I was really proud and really pleased with the players for the way they got through it."

Russell Martin expresses pride in his team's performance amid early challenges.

"We'll be much better for it."

Russell Martin on the team's growth following this important victory.

The commitment shown by Rangers in this match bodes well as they embark on a new season under Russell Martin. The blend of youth and new signings like Curtis and Gassama energized the squad, capturing the fans' enthusiasm. However, questions loom about their ability to maintain this performance level, especially when facing different challenges in the upcoming matches. The early momentum can play a crucial role in establishing team confidence, making the next leg against Panathinaikos pivotal for continuing this positive trajectory.

Highlights

Rangers started their Champions League journey with hope and determination.
Curtis's goal could mark the rise of a new star at Ibrox.
Gassama's debut goal offers a glimpse of Rangers' potential under Martin.
Martin's leadership shines as Rangers control the game.

Concerns over team performance and expectations

While Rangers enjoyed a strong performance, the pressure to succeed in the Champions League may weigh heavily on the team moving forward. Expectations from fans and management can create additional strain, especially with the upcoming return leg.

Rangers will aim to carry this momentum into the next leg against Panathinaikos.

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rangers panathinaikos champions league russell martin findlay curtis football sports

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