Rangers vs Panathinaikos: Champions League Qualifying Showdown Analyzed

Previewing Rangers' high-stakes Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos, featuring historical rivalry insights, team rankings comparison, and road to group stage qualification.

Champions League Qualifying Round Preview

Fixture Details
Rangers will host Greek giants Panathinaikos at Ibrox Stadium on July 22/23 in the Champions League second qualifying round first leg, with the return fixture scheduled for July 29/30 at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium.

European Pedigree Comparison

  • Rangers: 25th in UEFA rankings (2023)
  • Panathinaikos: 111th in UEFA rankings
  • Last Champions League group stage appearance: Rangers (2022), Panathinaikos (2010/11)
Historical Head-to-Head Season Competition Result
2003/04 Champions League PAN 3-1 RAN (H)
RAN 1-1 PAN (A)
2007/08 UEFA Cup RAN 0-0 PAN (H)
PAN 1-1 RAN (A)*

*Rangers advanced via away goals

Tactical Context

  • Russell Martin's competitive debut as Rangers manager
  • Panathinaikos' new signings: 3 summer acquisitions
  • Key battle: Rangers' defensive organization vs Panathinaikos' counter-attacking style

Qualification Pathway

  1. Winners advance to 3rd qualifying round (August 6-13)
  2. Potential playoff round (August 20-28)
  3. Group stage qualification requires 4 total victories

Regional Implications

  • Scotland's coefficient ranking: 9th in UEFA
  • Greece's coefficient ranking: 15th in UEFA
  • Victory crucial for both nations' European standing

Recent Form Guide

  • Rangers: Europa League quarter-finalists (2022/23)
  • Panathinaikos: Conference League last 16 (2022/23)

Broadcast Information

  • UK: Viaplay Sports
  • Greece: Cosmote Sport
  • Global: UEFA.tv (selected regions)
Relation Football Schedule
2025-10-09 Thursday

Uzbekistan

21:00 International, Friendly International

Call

21:00

Kuwait

2025-10-10 Friday

Finland

00:00 Europe, UEFA WC Qualification, Round 7

Call

00:00

Lithuania

Egypt

01:00 International, Friendly International

Call

01:00

Morocco

Romania

02:00 International, Friendly International

Call

02:00

Moldova

Faroe Islands

02:45 Europe, UEFA WC Qualification, Round 7

Call

02:45

Montenegro

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