Gassama shocks pundit in ‘horrible’ scenes, shares injury worry in Rangers win v Panathinaikos
Rangers have built themselves a healthy lead to take to Athens after they beat Panathinaikos 2-0 at Ibrox on Tuesday night (22 July).
Russell Martin’s side were facing plenty of pressure heading into the Champions League qualifying tie, with some people feeling they were underprepared, having played just a handful of pre-season friendlies so far.
Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama saw the Gers down their visitors, amid a fantastic atmosphere at Ibrox.
It was far from a polished performance, but Martin will know that he has plenty of time to instil changes before the domestic campaign gets underway.
Neil McCann points out Gassama goal celebration concern
Gassama has only just become a Rangers player, having completed his move from Sheffield Wednesday last week.
The wideman was a hugely exciting player for the Owls last season, and it didn’t take him long to show his new manager and supporters exactly what he is capable of.
He was introduced by Martin in the 74th minute, and he had been on the pitch for just four minutes when he stepped inside from the left flank and smashed a stinging drive into the corner of the net to double his side’s lead.
Gassama’s finish was emphatic, and it could ultimately prove to be the goal that sends the Gers through the next round of Champions League qualifying.
However, former Rangers coach Neil McCann was on hand to note an unfortunate moment that could quickly have turned the moment sour.
“What I’d like to point out is that it was a horrible goal celebration,” McCann said on Premier Sports 1 on Tuesday night.
“It would have been a nightmare for the boy if he’d have got an injury from a really bad knee slide, but still, the goal was pretty special.”
Gassama could become a key player for Rangers
Gassama is a signing that has provided real excitement for Rangers, and that will only have increased following his brief cameo.
The Frenchman is an excellent ball-carrier, and he will be looking to kick on further after a breakthrough season for Wednesday last time out.
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He was one of the Championship’s most impressive youngsters in 2024/25, and that should translate well into this Rangers side.
Gassama has been a relatively cheap arrival for the Gers, who secured his signature for a fee in the region of £2.2million, and he may have already returned value on that outlay with his exploits on Tuesday (22 July).
If he carries on in the same vein as his first Rangers outing, he will become a star at Ibrox in no time at all.
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