Martin wows Panathinaikos fans, Aarons has ‘unbearable’ time – Greek media reacts to Rangers win
Rangers overcame a difficult second leg against Panathinaikos on Wednesday (31 July) to book their place in the next round of Champions League qualifying.
Russell Martin’s side faced an early bombardment from their hosts, but were eventually able to secure a 1-1 draw, a result which saw them emerge unscathed with their two-goal advantage still intact from the first leg.
Djeidi Gassama was the hero for Rangers once again, as the 21-year-old angled a sumptuous volley in off the far post in the 60th minute to kill any hopes of a Panathinaikos comeback.
The Gers have booked themselves a date with Viktoria Plzen in the third round of qualifying, and they are now just two rounds away from a place in the league phase.
Greek media show mixed reaction to Rangers win
Rangers’ night didn’t pass without concern in Athens, and they rode their luck on several occasions in the first half.
The visitors were opened up far too easily by Panathinaikos on several occasions, and were it not for some profligate finish from the hosts, it could have been a totally different story.
Rui Vitoria’s side posed a major threat to the Gers, and their failure to capitalise on their dominance has been a source of great frustration in the Greek media.
Fos Online (30 July) highlighted the fact that winger Facundo Pellistri made life “unbearable” for Max Aarons, as he largely had the beating of the Rangers star, who was playing in an unfamiliar left-back role.
| Panathinaikos | Rangers | |
| 1.65 | xG | 0.89 |
| 20 | Shots | 10 |
| 6 | Shots on Target | 3 |
| 3 | Big Chances | 1 |
| 37 | Touches in Opposition Box | 13 |
The publication bemoaned the Uruguayan’s failure to capitalise on key chances, and Fos (31 July) also made it clear in a separate article that they felt Panathainkos dominated large parts of both legs but were “not ready to grab their opponent by the throat” and take control of the tie.
That said, Martin will be delighted with the resolve that his side showed to rally after a difficult start and eventually secure a relatively comfortable end to the tie.
Greek newspaper Ta Nea (30 July) were keen to pick up on the praise that the 39-year-old gave to the Panathinaikos team and their fans, as he quoted the hosts as being an “excellent team” whose fans “helped them a lot.”
Gers now have easier tie ahead in Viktoria Plzen
Martin will be delighted to have passed his first competitive assignment as Rangers boss, and his side’s reward for their triumph over Panathinaikos is what should, in theory, be an easier tie in the third round.
Czech side Viktoria Plzen finished a distant second place to Slavia Prague in their domestic campaign last term, but they ultimately saw off Swiss outfit Servette with a late penalty on Wednesday (31 July).
- Second Qualifying Round – Rangers 3-1 Panathinaikos (on aggregate)
- Third Qualifying Round – Rangers v Viktoria Plzen
- Play-off Round – Ties to be drawn on Monday (4 August)
They are now the next side standing in the way of the Gers and a place in the Champions League’s league phase, and the Govan outfit will surely feel confident once again.
Rangers welcome Plzen to Ibrox for the first leg on Tuesday (5 August), and if they can end the night with a similarly commanding lead to the one they achieved against Panathinaikos, then they will already have one foot into the next round.
Martin and his team must not underestimate their next opponents, but they are certainly right to be heading into the tie in a confident mood.
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