Russell Martin’s First Test as Rangers Boss
Russell Martin’s competitive debut as Rangers manager is set, and it’s a big one.
The Ibrox side will face Greek giants Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, with the first leg at Ibrox on July 22 or 23 and the return in Athens a week later.
This tie marks the start of a new era for Rangers, not just under Martin but also with new ownership led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises.
The Greek Challenge: Panathinaikos Profile
Panathinaikos, who finished third in the Greek Super League last season, are the highest-ranked team Rangers could have drawn at this stage.
They reached the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League last season before falling to Fiorentina and haven’t featured in the Champions League proper for 15 years.
Their home, the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, holds 16,000 and is known for its intimidating atmosphere.
Rangers’ European Path
Rangers enter the ‘league’ path of Champions League qualifying after finishing second in the Scottish Premiership.
If they get past Panathinaikos, they’ll move on to the third qualifying round, where potential opponents include Nice, Fenerbahce, Red Bull Salzburg, or Viktoria Plzen.
The draw for that round is set for July 21, with matches in early August. A defeat would see Rangers drop into the Europa League third qualifying round, but a win keeps the Champions League dream alive.
Key Dates & What’s Next
- First leg: Ibrox, July 22/23
- Second leg: Athens, July 29/30
- Third qualifying round draw: July 21
- Champions League play-off draw: August 4
If Rangers progress, they’ll face another two-legged tie in the play-off round, with a place in the Champions League group stage at stake.
Lose at any stage, and it’s the Europa League or, potentially, the Conference League.
A New Era Begins
With a new manager, new owners, and a European campaign on the horizon, Rangers fans have plenty to look forward to - and plenty to be nervous about.
The Panathinaikos tie is a stern early test for Martin and his squad, and the outcome will shape the mood around Ibrox as the new season dawns.