Rangers progress after draw in Athens

Panathinaikos 1 - 1 Rangers (Rangers won 3-1 on aggregate)

Not the best performance for Rangers but they got the job done

Author | Alan White

Stadium | Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis

Rangers are now guaranteed Europa League football and will face Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic in a third round Champions League qualifier.

A closer look at what happened in Athens

As was the case during the first half at Ibrox, Rangers looked exposed and were fortunate to survive a barrage of Panathinaikos pressure in a charged Athens atmosphere.

Anastasios Bakasetas set the tone with an early effort from the edge of the area, narrowly missing the target. What followed was a sustained spell of dominance from the hosts. Jack Butland, outstanding throughout, produced a sharp save to deny Fotis Ioannidis at his near post, before stopping a powerful close-range header from the same player.

READ MORE | Who's excited for another Champions League season?

READ MORE | News from across Scotland on Super Local Sports News 

The Rangers goalkeeper was soon called upon again to deny Facundo Pellistri. The former Manchester United winger then squandered a clear chance, slicing over after a defensive lapse.

Had Russell Martin’s side gone in four goals down at half-time, there would have been little room for protest. Former Rangers player Andy Halliday called it a “minor miracle” that the visitors had not conceded in the opening period.

Panathinaikos finally made their superiority count after the break. A looping cross found Duricic unmarked, and he guided his header into the net. Though the flag was raised, replays showed Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons had played the Serbian forward onside.

At that stage, Rangers supporters could have been forgiven for fearing the worst. Instead, summer signing Gassama produced a brilliant volley to level the tie and earn what could prove a crucial result in the early days of Martin’s reign.

There was nearly a dramatic late winner. Substitute Cyriel Dessers broke free in stoppage time but could not find a way past Bartlomiej Dragowski.

Our analysis | Rangers still need to improve 

Nobody will remember Rangers’ fragility across this tie if they go on to reach the Champions League and secure the substantial financial reward that comes with it.

Too often, they surrendered possession in risky areas and invited pressure, allowing Panathinaikos several clear-cut opportunities that, on another night, might have proved costly.

Ultimately, if Rangers want to challenge Celtic for the title this season and progress further in Europe, they will need to improve fast.