How the Rangers stars rated as Djeidi Gassama strikes again as Gers see-off Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying
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DJEIDI GASSAMA scored again as Rangers saw-off Panathinaikos to progress in Champions League qualifying.
The Light Blues weathered a major storm in Athens and fell behind to a scrappy Filip Djuricic header.
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Russell Martin has led Rangers to the next round of Champions League qualifying
Credit: EPA
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Djeidi Gassama was the hero once again
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
But Russell Martin's side quickly hit back, levelling things up seven minutes after Djuricic's effort was given after VAR review.
It was one of the heroes of the first leg, Djeidi Gassama, who finished brilliantly first time to make it 1-1 just a minute after coming on as a sub.
It was a huge goal for Rangers and a goal that sends them marching on to the third qualifying round of the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate win.
SunSport's David Friel rates the Gers' Euro heroes.
Jack Butland 8
Huge save from Facundo Pellistri and was crucial during the early onslaught. Will be disappointed to concede a weak header but Gers' top man over two legs.
James Tavernier 6
Caught on the ball too often in a difficult night for the Gers skipper, but dug deep as the Ibrox men managed to get the result they needed.
Nasser Djiga 7
Got himself into trouble with his passing out from the back at times but covered the ground really well and was strong in one v one situations.
John Souttar 7
At the centre of an early penalty claim for handball but it would have been harsh. Display wasn't faultless but he stood strong when Rangers needed him.
Max Aarons 6
Lucky escape after a mix-up with Souttar from a simple long ball. Didn't look overly comfortable on the left but made himself available and put in a shift.
Joe Rothwell 7
Quiet start but tried his best to get on the ball and calm Rangers down by playing simple passes. Never flustered in possession and got stuck in.
Major Mikey Moore Rangers loan doubts & 'strange situation' at Celtic + transfer news Go Ballistic
Mohamed Diomande 7
Couldn't really make an impact on the ball but energy and workrate was crucial as he ran himself into the ground in the stifling Athens heat.
Nico Raskin 7
Burst forward on a first-half break but couldn't get a shot away. Busy in the midfield and always looked to make things happen as he took responsibility.
Kieran Dowell 5
Booked for a cynical foul just before the break and didn't offer much more in the first half. Fell asleep at back post as Filip Duricic headed in the opener.
Findlay Curtis 5
Half chance inside the box and also had a couple of breaks but the Gers kid found it tough as the Greeks pressed. Subbed after the opener.
Danilo 6
Fed off scraps as the lone striker but hold-up play needs to be a lot better when Rangers are under pressure. Kept going and heavily involved at the equaliser.
SUBSTITUTES
DJEIDI GASSAMA 7: On at 1-0 and levelled instantly with a brilliant finish to kill the Greek momentum.
JEFTE 5: Brazilian left-back replaced the tiring Dowell.
CYRIEL DESSERS 3: last ten to give Danilo a rest and missed golden chance.
NEDIM BAJRAMI 3 on at the same time for Rothwell.
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