Rangers take on the visitors Panathinaikos in the first leg of UEFA Champions League Qualification round of quarterfinals. The match will be played on Tuesday, July 22nd at Ibrox Stadium (Glasgow).
Rangers Glasgow deserve respect for climbing back from bankruptcy and returning from the lower leagues to the Premiership, where they managed to push aside all challengers — except for Celtic. Steven Gerrard did manage to break their rival’s dominance, but since his departure, none of his successors have been able to replicate that success. Philippe Clement was the latest to try, but he was sacked midway through last season after failing to close the gap. Rangers still finished second, yet once again far behind their Old Firm rivals. A fresh chapter begins now under new manager Russell Martin, who is aiming to rebuild his reputation after a disappointing spell at Southampton. Preseason has been solid in terms of results, but the team’s attacking play still lacks fluidity.
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Panathinaikos bear many similarities to their opponent. The Shamrocks are another historical domestic powerhouse with a proud European legacy — though their continental achievements lie in the past. Even in the Greek Super League, they haven’t lifted the title since 2010, though they’ve managed some solid finishes, including last season’s runner-up spot. However, unlike the previous year, they missed out on the domestic cup. Still, it was enough to qualify for the Champions League qualifying rounds once again. Under new manager Rui Vitória, expectations remain high, but summer recruitment has been modest — limited mostly to free agents, many of whom are past their prime. In recent friendlies, the team has looked organized defensively but struggled to create clear chances.
The clubs previously met in 2003 and 2008. Three of those matches ended in draws, with Panathinaikos winning one — and that came on Scottish soil. Both teams are known to rely heavily on home-field advantage. Back Rangers to make it count and secure the win.
Prediction for the match: Rangers to win.
