Russell Martin enjoys perfect Ibrox start

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Rangers 2 - 0 Panathinaikos

Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama secured a 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the first leg of their Champions League second-round qualifier.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Ibrox 

Champions League 25 26 | - Rangers v Panathinaikos

Rangers were indebted to goalkeeper Jack Butland for a string of vital saves, particularly during a first half in which the Greek visitors carved out the better chances and largely controlled proceedings.

Curtis shifted the momentum with a thunderous effort early in the second half before Gassama, introduced from the bench, sealed the win with a moment of individual brilliance after Giorgos Vagiannidis was dismissed.

Backed by a typically boisterous Ibrox crowd, Rangers made a lively start but were soon forced onto the back foot. Butland produced an outstanding save to deny a powerful header before Nemanja Maksimovic skewed the rebound against the post with the goal gaping.

The former England international was called into action again to thwart Erik Palmer-Brown, while Rangers’ sloppiness in possession invited further pressure. Martin, animated on the touchline, urged his players to settle as Panathinaikos dominated large spells of the opening period.

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A rare moment of attacking intent saw Mohamed Diomande test Bartlomiej Dragowski from range, before Danilo’s sweetly struck volley clipped a defender and fizzed narrowly wide.

Butland made another superb save early in the second half to keep out Maksimovic, preserving parity just before Rangers took the lead in dramatic fashion.

Curtis had been quiet, but the 18-year-old made his mark with a dazzling run and strike from the left flank, his shot deflecting into the far corner to send Ibrox into raptures.

The tie swung further in Rangers’ favour shortly afterwards when Curtis drew a foul from Vagiannidis, who was shown a second yellow card following an earlier booking for simulation.

Sensing an opportunity, Rangers pressed for a second. Kieran Dowell went close with a header and Nicolas Raskin was twice denied by impressive saves from Dragowski.

Gassama’s introduction provided the decisive moment. Picking up the ball deep in the Panathinaikos half, the summer signing surged forward and unleashed a fierce drive beyond the goalkeeper to cap an encouraging night for Martin and his side.

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