Russell Martin got off to a winning start in his first competitive fixture in charge of Rangers courtesy of a fine 2-0 win over Panathanaikos in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.
The visitors were denied on countless occasions by an inspired Butland in the Rangers goal, before 18-year-old Findlay Curtis produced a stunning finish from outside the area to put Martin’s men in front on 52 minutes.
The Greeks were reduced to 10 men shortly before the hour mark, with Georgios Vagiannidis picking up a second yellow card.
Nico Raskin was twice thwarted in quick succession by Panathanaikos keeper Bartlomiej Dragowski as the hosts searched for a second.
But the home support didn’t have to wait long for it to arrive, with debutant Djeidi Gassama coming off the bench to double the advantage and put his side in a commanding position ahead of next Wednesday’s trip to Athens.
Here, Gary Keown gives his verdict on how the home players fared on a thrilling night at Ibrox.
New Rangers manager Martin Russell was thrilled to get off to a winning start at Ibrox
Teenager Findlay Russell fired the hosts in front from range shortly after the half-time break
Debutant Djeidi Gassama added a second late on seal an impressive win over the Greeks
RANGERS (4-3-3)
JACK BUTLAND: 9 — Made two brilliant early saves from Duricic and Palmer-Brown and a good one from Duricic in the second 45. Important show.
JAMES TAVERNIER: 7 — Had some difficult moments during a torrid opener for Rangers, but settled as the game went on.
JOHN SOUTTAR: 7 — Made a number of important blocks as the visitors piled on the pressure and was steady at the back overall.
NASSER DJIGA: 6.5 — Almost a disaster on 53 minutes when losing possession to Duricic near goal. Recovered and did OK otherwise.
MAX AARONS: 6 — Gave the ball away in too many dangerous positions in the first half, in particular, but did play a part in Gassama’s goal.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland made a string of important stops to keep the scores level
MOHAMED DIOMANDE: 7 — Slowly shrugged off the marking of Maksimovic as the game developed and forced one save from Dragowski.
JOE ROTHWELL: 7 — A solid presence brought in to let Raskin and Diomande get forward and was steady if unspectacular.
NICOLAS RASKIN: 8.5 — Grew into the game well after a sticky start. Gave Curtis the ball for his goal and was twice denied by Dragowski.
KIERAN DOWELL: 6.5 — Had a real chance with a header over the bar on 64 minutes, but was pretty quiet before being replaced.
DANILO: 7 — Got very little service, but worked hard and was unlucky to see a great first-half volley deflected wide by Maksimovic.
FINDLAY CURTIS: 7.5 — Had a difficult first 45 and eventually made way for Dessers, but, good grief, what a belter of a goal.
Substitutes: Dessers (Danilo 74), Igamane (Dowell 74), Gassama (Curtis 74), Bajrami (Rothwell 86). Not used: Kelly, Barron, Cameron, Cortes, Fernandez, Gentles, Rice, Jefte.
MANAGER: Russell Martin 8 — A bold selection of Curtis on the left and one that paid off. Defence needs work, though.
Booked — Raskin, Souttar,
Panathanaikos (4-2-3-1): Dragowski; Vagiannidis, Palmer-Brown, Touba, Kyriakopoulos; Chirivella (Siopis 84), Maksimovic; Bakasetas (Kotsiras 62) Pellistri (Tete 84), Duricic (Swiderski 76), Ioannidis (Mancini 75).
Sent off — Vagiannidis
Referee: Donatas Rumsas (Lithuania) 8
Attendance — 49, 548
