'No mean feat' - Russell Martin 'so proud' as Rangers progress in UEFA Champions League with battling draw at Panathinaikos

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Rangers held on in sweltering conditions in Athens to book their place in the third UEFA Champions League qualifying round after a 1-1 draw with Panathinaikos (3-1 on aggregate). The Glaswegians were under pressure for much of the match and trailed early in the second half when Filip Duricic opened the scoring for the hosts, before Djeidi Gassama repeated his super-sub heroics from a week ago.

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Rangers came from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with Panathinaikos in Athens in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, winning 3-1 on aggregate and keeping their dreams of reaching the group stage alive.

Russell Martin’s side came into the game with a 2-0 advantage following the first leg at Ibrox last week.

A dogged first-half performance from the visitors saw them head into the break still two goals up, despite significant pressure being applied by the hosts.

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Filip Duricic’s goal early in the second half was eventually cleared by VAR and Panathinaikos immediately ramped up the pressure in front of their expectant supporters.

For the second week in a row though, it was substitute Djeidi Gassama, a recent signing from Sheffield Wednesday, who found the back of the net for the Glaswegians, effectively putting an end to the tie in the process.

The win means Rangers will meet Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the third round of Champions League qualifying, after they edged past Servette with a late penalty.

It also means that Rangers are now guaranteed at least UEFA Europa League football this season.

Following the match, Rangers manager Russell Martin - in only his second match in charge of the Glasgow giants - commented: "I've just said to the players in the dressing room, I'm so proud of them.

"To be five weeks into the process, from where they were to where they are is incredible.

"It's never easy away from home. A really difficult place to come. They really dug in and that's going to be important for us.

"It's no mean feat. We've qualified for the Europa League and now we can really attack the Champions League."

Rangers were immediately put under serious pressure by the home side, who went on to have 20 shots in the match.

Jack Butland made a host of top saves in quick succession, first off a narrow angle from Anastasios Bakasetas, before a brilliant one on one stop against former Manchester United midfielder Facundo Pellistri.

In sweltering conditions in Athens, the Panathinaikos frustrations appeared to have been lifted eight minutes into the second half when Duricic snuck a header past Butland.

A very lengthy VAR check ensued, which eventually confirmed the Serbian was onside and the goal was awarded.

Soon after, Gassama hit a brilliant volley into the net to level the scores on the night and restore the two-goal cushion on aggregate.

Panathinaikos kept coming for the remaining half an hour, but they continued to struggle in front of goal and were unable to truly test Butland again.

Jack Butland during the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg match between Panathinaikos and Rangers.

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'That's how you build a team' - Souttar

Conditions in Athens were extremely testing, with temperatures reaching in excess of 30C at kick-off time and humidity making it feel even hotter.

Defender John Souttar believes finding a way to win despite the tricky conditions is hugely important for the Glaswegians.

He said: "It was boiling out there, really difficult - they had to come out of the traps flying, we weathered the storm in the first half.

"That's how you build a team, coming through those tough moments. I think we could have been better on the ball, I think the gaffer will say that, but it shows our mentality.

"It is important we continue that because there are going to be times when things don't go our way this season. It’s massive to win this. It is a big, big test to have this game so early in the season."

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