Ferguson: ‘I would have dislocated my hip doing what Gassama did v Panathinaikos’
Rangers managed to see off Panathinaikos on Wednesday to progress in the Champions League qualifiers.
In a difficult tie, Djeidi Gassama came off the bench to make it 3-1 and see the Gers through on aggregate.
Now, Rangers will face Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round, with Russell Martin’s side just two ties away from the league stage.
Many of Rangers’ stars impressed in the second leg and have rightly earned praise from pundits.
Ferguson shocked by Gassama goal v Panathinaikos
Gassama is the name on every Rangers fans lips at the moment.
The winger only signed from Sheffield Wednesday this summer but has already made a big impact.
Last week, he announced himself to the Ibrox crowd when he netted the Gers’ second against Panathinaikos.
Now, on Wednesday, the attacker followed this up again with another goal against the Greek side.
| Djeidi GassamavsPanathinaikos | |
| Minutes played | 34 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Touches | 11 |
| Passing completion | 50% |
| Goals | 1 |
Just seven minutes after Filip Duricic had pulled one back for Panathinaikos, Gassama came off the bench to make the tie 3-1.
In a difficult finish, the attacker managed to volley a loose ball into the bottom corner just inside the box in what was his first touch.
On commentary for BBC Radio Scotland (30 July), Derek Ferguson was shocked at the quality of the goal, claiming he would have “dislocated a hip” if he replicated it.
He said: “It is a brilliant hit; I would have dislocated my hip trying to hit that.
“Just so true, and even better when you see it coming off the inside of the post and into the back of the net.”
Rangers now have a real chance of reaching the Champions League proper
Now that Panathinaikos is out of the way, Rangers will fancy their chances against Viktoria Plzen.
The Czech side were eliminated in the round of 16 in the Europa League last season by Lazio, but the Gers should have enough quality to bypass the side.
If Martin’s side progresses, they will only have to win in the playoff round to secure league stage football.
The money on offer for competing in this is massive and could go a long way to help close the gap on Celtic.
Going into August, this will no doubt be the priority for Martin and Rangers in what will be massive games.
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