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Rangers Face Panathinaikos in Champions league Qualifying
The Scottish side will have a tough test against the Greek giants in the second qualifying round.
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The opening match will be at Ibrox on either July 22 or 23, followed by a trip to Greece for the second leg on July 29 or
30.
Panathinaikos was potentially the most challenging opponent among the three possibilities for Rangers,
with servette from Switzerland and Brann Bergen from Norway being the other two.
The two teams haven’t faced each other since Walter smith’s team narrowly defeated the Greek side in the round of 16,
ultimately securing their place in the Uefa Cup final in Manchester back in 2008.
A demanding visit to Athens early in Martin’s leadership will pose a notable challenge from the outset.
And a tough visit to Athens so early in Martin’s tenure will be a major challenge right off the bat.
They have talented players such as Uruguayan forward Facundo Pellestri, who previously played for Manchester United.
Hamza Igamane will face a familiar opponent in his Morocco teammate azzedine Ounahi.
Panathinaikos factfile
FOUNDED: 1908
STADIUM: Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium (16,003) is their traditional home but with a new stadium in
construction that is due to be completed in 2026 they played home games last season at the 75,000-capacity Olympic
Stadium.
HONOURS: 20 Greek titles, 20 Greek Cups.
MANAGER: Rui Vitoria. Experienced Portuguese boss who has previously managed Benfica,Spartak Moscow
and egypt.
STAR MAN: Filip Duricic.Serbian international attacking midfielder was their top league scorer and has
played in England, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands before arriving in greece.
INTERESTING FACT: Panathinaikos have played against Scottish clubs seven times – rangers four times,
Aberdeen once and Motherwell twice…and have never lost over 90 minutes. Even though they did lose on aggregate to Rangers
in 2008.
Fotis Ioannidis was also a key player for the Greece team that recently defeated Scotland in the Nations League.
The team is coached by Rui Vitoria, formerly of Benfica.
While Martin’s team will encounter a lively atmosphere in Greece, it’s worth noting that the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium has a
capacity of only 16,000.
Rangers’ strong Uefa five-year coefficient provides them with seeding at this stage and in the third round if they progress that
far,but they will not be protected in the playoff round.
