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
2025-10-18 Saturday

Nottingham Forest

19:30 England, Premier League, Round 8

Call

19:30

Chelsea

Manchester City

22:00 England, Premier League, Round 8

Call

22:00

Everton

Crystal Palace

22:00 England, Premier League, Round 8

Call

22:00

Bournemouth

Brighton

22:00 England, Premier League, Round 8

Call

22:00

Newcastle United

Sunderland

22:00 England, Premier League, Round 8

Call

22:00

Wolves

What to Read Next

Transfer Saga Intensifies: Lennon Miller’s Father Hints at Imminent Bids as European Clubs Circle
Football

Transfer Saga Intensifies: Lennon Miller’s Father Hints at Imminent Bids as European Clubs Circle

As speculation mounts around Motherwell’s teenage sensation Lennon Miller, his father Lee Miller reveals advanced transfer talks with European suitors while addressing injury concerns and the Scotland international’s ambitions to compete at elite levels.
By /
Steven Gerrard Eyes Rangers Return: Unfinished Business and Managerial Redemption
Football

Steven Gerrard Eyes Rangers Return: Unfinished Business and Managerial Redemption

Steven Gerrard hints at a potential Rangers FC comeback, discussing his managerial ambitions and the challenges ahead. Explore the latest developments in the Scottish Premiership saga.
By /
Scottish Clubs Brace for European Football Drama as Champions League and Europa League Draws Loom
Football

Scottish Clubs Brace for European Football Drama as Champions League and Europa League Draws Loom

Scottish football giants Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen await crucial European draws, with Champions League playoff opponents revealed and Europa League/Conference League pathways taking shape. Key matchups against Sturm Graz, Panathinaikos, and Rapid Vienna could define Scotland's continental campaign.
By /
Ethan Mbappe: Breaking Free from Kylian's Legacy to Forge His Own Path in European Football
Football

Ethan Mbappe: Breaking Free from Kylian's Legacy to Forge His Own Path in European Football

At just 18, Ethan Mbappe carves his own identity in European football through standout performances at Lille, proving he's more than just Kylian's younger brother after their controversial PSG exits.
By /
Feyenoord's January Transfer Pursuit: Igamane Loan Bid & Scottish Clubs' Deadline Day Moves
Football

Feyenoord's January Transfer Pursuit: Igamane Loan Bid & Scottish Clubs' Deadline Day Moves

Feyenoord eye Rangers' Hamza Igamane in a loan-to-buy deal as Celtic finalize winger signings. Latest updates on Scottish clubs' transfer strategies, defensive reshuffles, and surprise exits across Europe's winter window.
By /
Rangers' Managerial Hunt Intensifies: New Shortlist Emerges as Rebuild Plans Take Shape
Football

Rangers' Managerial Hunt Intensifies: New Shortlist Emerges as Rebuild Plans Take Shape

Rangers FC accelerates managerial search with revised shortlist after high-profile rejections, as the struggling Scottish giants seek to reverse their worst league start in decades.
By /
Greenock Morton Manager Dougie Imrie’s Heartwarming Tribute: Raising £18k for Neonatal Care in Honor of Premature Daughter
Football

Greenock Morton Manager Dougie Imrie’s Heartwarming Tribute: Raising £18k for Neonatal Care in Honor of Premature Daughter

Greenock Morton manager Dougie Imrie and partner Lauren McCreaddie raise £18,000 for neonatal care, honoring their late daughter Remi during Baby Loss Awareness Week.
By /
The Ultimate Football Club Nickname Challenge: Test Your Soccer Knowledge
Football

The Ultimate Football Club Nickname Challenge: Test Your Soccer Knowledge

Put your football expertise to the test with our ultimate club nickname quiz! Discover fascinating origins of iconic team monikers across European leagues.
By /
Celtic’s Champions League Quest: Home Dominance Meets Kazakh Challenge in High-Stakes Showdown
Football

Celtic’s Champions League Quest: Home Dominance Meets Kazakh Challenge in High-Stakes Showdown

Celtic secure domestic momentum ahead of pivotal Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty, as Rodgers addresses squad depth concerns amid fan unrest.
By /
Dramatic Turnarounds and Knockout Drama: Premier Sports Cup Group Stage Highlights
Football

Dramatic Turnarounds and Knockout Drama: Premier Sports Cup Group Stage Highlights

Dundee FC secures a crucial victory under Steven Pressley while Motherwell clinch knockout qualification in an action-packed Premier Sports Cup matchday. Explore thrilling comebacks, penalty drama, and group standings shaping Scotland's football landscape.
By /
Exclusive: Nottingham Forest Eye Brendan Rodgers as Top Managerial Target Amid Celtic Shake-Up
Football

Exclusive: Nottingham Forest Eye Brendan Rodgers as Top Managerial Target Amid Celtic Shake-Up

Nottingham Forest identifies Celtic's Brendan Rodgers as prime managerial candidate while transfer activity heats up across Scottish clubs. Latest updates on Saracchi, Balikwisha, and Miovski deals.
By /
Celtic Transfer Shake-Up: Tilio & Palma Loan Exits Spark Summer Window Domino Effect
Football

Celtic Transfer Shake-Up: Tilio & Palma Loan Exits Spark Summer Window Domino Effect

Celtic's squad reshuffle accelerates as Marco Tilio and Luis Palma secure European loans, triggering ripple effects across Scotland's transfer market with Rangers, Hearts, and Livingston making strategic moves.
By /
Arteta's Midfield Masterstroke: How Zubimendi's £60m Move Redefines Arsenal's Ambitions
Football

Arteta's Midfield Masterstroke: How Zubimendi's £60m Move Redefines Arsenal's Ambitions

Arsenal's £60m acquisition Martin Zubimendi opens up about his Emirates journey, Arteta's tactical vision, and the Gunners' renewed push for silverware after a year-long transfer saga.
By /
Rangers Secure Rising Star Jayden Meghoma on Season-Long Loan from Brentford
Football

Rangers Secure Rising Star Jayden Meghoma on Season-Long Loan from Brentford

Rangers bolster their defense with 19-year-old England youth international Jayden Meghoma in a strategic season-long loan from Brentford, reuniting the left-back with former Southampton coach Russell Martin.
By /
Steven Gerrard Nears Rangers Return: Managerial Talks Intensify as January Transfer Plans Emerge
Football

Steven Gerrard Nears Rangers Return: Managerial Talks Intensify as January Transfer Plans Emerge

Steven Gerrard edges closer to a sensational Rangers comeback amid ongoing talks, while the club explores alternatives like Danny Rohl. Transfer updates include Besiktas' interest in Nicolas Raskin and emerging European talent links.
By /
Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.