Martin: Rangers ready to ´attack´ Champions League after Panathinaikos victory

Russell Martin described his Rangers gamers as “unbelievable” after their win over Panathinaikos whereas reiterating their need to “actually assault” the Champions League.

Martin watched on as his facet got here from a objective down to say a 1-1 attract Athens on Wednesday, incomes themselves a 3-1 combination win within the second spherical of qualifying for Europe’s elite competitors.

Filip Djuricic’s 53rd-minute header gave the hosts a deserved lead following a prolonged VAR assessment, although parity within the sport was rapidly restored by Djeidi Gassama.

Gassama made it two objectives in two appearances for his new crew as he rifled the ball in off the correct put up simply three minutes after changing teenager Findlay Curtis.

Rangers have been made to work for his or her win, although, registering an anticipated objectives (xG) whole of simply 0.72 from their 10 photographs to Panathinaikos’ 1.65 from their 20 makes an attempt.

However Martin’s crew have been capable of recover from the road, helped by Jack Butland’s imperious exhibiting, with the 32-year-old making 5 very important saves all through the competition.

Rangers’ triumph will see them face Viktoria Plzen within the subsequent spherical after the Czech outfit produced a shocking second-leg comeback to win 3-2 on combination towards Servette.

The Scottish Premiership facet will welcome Plzen to Ibrox subsequent Tuesday earlier than the return leg on August 12.

Full-Time: Panathinaikos 1-1 Rangers (Agg 1-3)

Djeidi Gassama’s excellent strike sends us into the @ChampionsLeague Third Qualifying Spherical. pic.twitter.com/65jHeeR6Qt

— Rangers Soccer Membership (@RangersFC) July 30, 2025

The outcome additionally ensures Rangers’ participation within the Europa League correct on the very least subsequent season, a contest they reached the quarter-finals of in 2024-25.

However Martin believes that cushion of European soccer permits his facet to place all of it on the road of their quest to return to the Champions League for the primary time since 2022-23.

“I’ve simply stated to the gamers that I’m so happy with them,” Martin informed BBC Scotland. “To be 5 weeks into the method, from the place they have been to the place they’re, is unbelievable.

“It’s by no means straightforward away from dwelling. A extremely tough place to come back. They actually dug in and that’s going to be essential for us.

“Huge John [Souttar] and Nasser [Djiga] have been improbable. Jack Butland’s been sensible over the past two video games; we have to depend on him much less.

“We spoke concerning the significance of the subs earlier than the sport, and so they did nice.

“It’s no imply feat. We’ve certified for the Europa League, and now we are able to actually assault the Champions League. We are going to get higher. The group will develop a lot from this.”