Rangers claimed a pivotal 2‑0 victory over Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier first leg, with both goals coming in the second half. Youngster Findlay Curtis opened the scoring before Djeidi Gassama sealed the result with a sensational strike shortly after coming on as a substitute.
The Goal
Gassama’s moment arrived in the 78th minute, just minutes after replacing Curtis. Picking up the ball from Mohamed Diomandé on the left flank, he surged forward, cut inside and unleashed a powerful drive that fizzed into the bottom‑left corner from outside the box. It was a strike packed with pace, precision, and composure—exactly the kind of moment Ibrox fans live for.
An all important second goal for @RangersFC 🔵
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) July 22, 2025
What a moment for Djeidi Gassama as he announces himself at Ibrox in style 👏 pic.twitter.com/8vGGLSpu5L
The Context
Gassama had joined Rangers barely a week prior, sealing a four‑year deal from Sheffield Wednesday. This match also marked the competitive debut of new manager Russell Martin's era at Ibrox. The team had endured a rocky first half, with Panathinaikos peppering Jack Butland’s goal, but the dynamics shifted dramatically after Georgios Vagiannidis was shown a second yellow card to reduce the Greek side to ten men around the 58th minute.
Russell Martin was full of praise for his new winger after the game. Speaking to Premier Sports, he said: "Everyone could see what he's going to bring, we just need to get him up to speed quick. He's a real specialist in that position. Now we have a nice bit of competition there."
Rangers travel to Panathinaikos next Wednesday for the 2nd leg of the second qualification round.
