´Lots to like´ but ´plenty to work on´ for Martin and Rangers after first game in charge

Russell Martin said there was “lots to like” but “lots to work on” after his debut in the Rangers dugout ended with a 2-0 win over Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier.

Martin watched on as goals in the second half from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama sealed victory against the Greek side, who had Georgios Vagiannidis sent off.

The hosts got themselves in front in the 52nd minute when talented teenager Curtis cut inside from the right and sent a fizzing strike into the bottom-right corner.

And Panathinaikos’ task was made even more difficult four minutes later when Vagiannidis picked up his second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Curtis.

The hosts made their man advantage count 12 minutes from time when debutant Gassama rifled in a fierce effort in at the near post just three minutes after coming on.

Rangers ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.27 from their 16 shots to Panathinaikos’ 1.65 from their 14 attempts, but they did have 75.4% possession.

And despite getting off to a winning start, Martin was eyeing improvements, telling Premier Sports: “Lots to like, lots to work on, but for a start, it was good.

“We started the game so well, and then after 12 or 13 minutes, we had scary moments when we lost the ball and tried to force things. [There were] too many transitions.

“For some of the players to feel that tonight, a few moments of difficulty, will help them to move forward and improve. Even before the sending off, we were starting to grow.”

Full-Time: Rangers 2-0 Panathinaikos

Goals from Curtis & Gassama in the first-leg at Ibrox #UCL pic.twitter.com/VqxZM2gr8v

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 22, 2025

Rangers will now take a first-leg lead to Athens next Wednesday, knowing a positive result will see them face either Viktoria Plzen or Servette in the third qualifying round.

And goalkeeper Jack Butland, who made four crucial saves in the contest, said his team would not rest on their lead and would go to Greece to try and win.

“[It was a] very important one, a lot made of what it could have been, but hopefully we’ve shown the fans some things they can expect from us,” he said.

“It was really important for the tie, and for our season, to get off to a good start this season.

“The good thing, in a way, was that our mistakes led to their chances, so we could look at it and rectify it.

“We learned from them too and thankfully, you can make some saves, and John Souttar made a big block too. We’re getting to where we want to be, and a 2-0 win is a big start.

“We go there to win the game now, not to hold on.”