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:
9. Kieran Dowell - 6
Handed a surprise start at Ibrox but didn't offer a great deal offensively, playing on the right-hand side of a front three. Did go close with a header just after the hour mark, before being taken off late on. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. Findlay Curtis - 8
Not much came off for the teenager at first, but he continued to ask for the ball and be the team's bright spark when their backs were against the wall. He was repaid for his bravery when he thundered home a sumptuous strike. A mature performance from the 18-year-old, who was a creative visionary on the night when others struggled. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. Danilo - 5
Sloppy in possession at times, and was a little too quiet for the bulk of the game. Showed plenty of effort in closing, chasing and harrying, and almost opened the scoring with a thumping volley from a corner against the run of play. Largely ineffective, though. | PA
12. Substitutes
Cyriel Dessers - came on for a late cameo 6/10. Hamza Igamane - rapturous applause from the home crowd as he made his way onto the pitch. 6/10. Djeidi Gassama - the perfect introduction. 7/10. Nedim Bajrami - a late sub. N/A. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images