Rangers will go into next week’s Champions League second leg qualifier with the advantage after a pair thunderous strikes helped them secure a 2-0 win over 10-man Panathinaikos at Ibrox.
Despite home goalkeeper Jack Butland being forced into numerous saves in the opening throws of the game, it was 18-year-old Findlay Curtis that swung the game in Rangers favour, smashing home from long range in the 52nd minute to secure a narrow win on Russell Martin’s first competitive game in charge of the Glasgow giants.
Panathinaikos were dealt an even bigger blow just six minutes after Curtis’ strike when midfielder Georgios Vagiannidis was sent off for his second booking of the game, and the Light Blues took full advantage in the 78th minute when debutant Djeidi Gassama lashed home from just outside the area minutes just three minutes after his introduction to the field.
Rangers will now take a short break from competitive action as they return to Ibrox this weekend to face EFL Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough as part of their pre-season schedule, before they head to Athens for next week’s second leg against Rui Vitória’s side on Wednesday 30 July.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Rangers player in the 2-0 against Panathinaikos at Ibrox:
5. Max Aarons - 6
Lost the ball far too often in the early stages, and looked stunted offensively playing on the left when he's clearly stronger with his right foot. A slightly underwhelming full debut, though they are caveats as to why. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Nicolas Raskin - 7
Drove forward early on, and had the side's first shot on goal. His hesitancy in the box almost saw Rangers go behind in the first-half, but the Belgian picked it up in the second 45 as Rangers grew into the game and picked up a nice assist for the Findlay Curtis' opening goal. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Joe Rothwell - 7
Impressive through ball gave Raskin the first chance of the game. Offered a spark of creativity with his driving runs, which gave the home support something to get their teeth into when Panathinaikos were on top in the first 45. His crisp passing helped Rangers get a foothold on the game in the second-half. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
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8. Mohamed Diomande - 7
Tried to create and link play, but didn't have much to feed off in the first-half. Went close with a long range drive, which was almost a carbon copy of his strike vs Club Brugge a fortnight ago, and showed plenty energy. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group