Ange Postecoglou fires Rangers warning to Panathinaikos
And they have found an unlikely ally in former Hoops boss Postecoglou, who was back in his original Greek homeland to promote the country's Super League.
Postecoglou was sacked by Spurs despite leading them to a historic Europa League trophy success against Manchester United.
And he was quizzed about whether Panathinaikos would get through in the Champions League when they face Postecoglou's former Old Firm foes Rangers.
He said: "I would say that Rangers are always strong in European competition.
"But Greek teams have been doing well too for the past couple of years.
"Rangers are behind Celtic in Scotland, but they always impress in European football.
"But of course I hope that Panathinaikos and AEK Athens both do well in the qualifying rounds in their competitions and go as far as they can."
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Meanwhile, Panathinaikos have rejected an £8.5 million bid from Sporting Lisbon for full back Giorgos Vayannidis because they won't sell anyone until after their tie with Rangers.
The Portuguese giants are desperate to land the 24-year-old, ahead of Everton and Wolves who have both been linked too.
But they have told all interested parties they have no intention of selling any player until their clash with Rangers is decided.
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