Panathinaikos 1-1 Rangers (Agg: 1-3): Djeidi Gassama scores again as Gers progress in Champions League qualifying

Djeidi Gassama is quickly winning a place in the hearts of Rangers fans, coming off the bench to score against Panathinaikos as the Scottish side progressed in Champions League qualifying.

Russell Martin’s team took a 2-0 lead to Athens, but were far from comfortable in the searing heat as the hosts piled on the pressure.

Gers goalkeeper Jack Butland was once again the early hero as he produced a string of first-half saves in the Olympic Stadium to rescue his struggling defence.

There was a long VAR check before Filip Duricic’s header gave Panathinaikos a deserved lead in the second half.

But summer signing Gassama made his mark just as he did in the first leg, firing in the equaliser less than a minute after replacing Findlay Curtis after to restore their two-goal cushion.

Rangers, 3-1 victors on aggregate, will face Servette or Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round, with the first leg at Ibrox on August 5/6.

Gassama settles nerves as Rangers more closer to Champions League qualification

Rangers had to withstand some early pressure as the hosts looked to get themselves back into the tie with a string of attacks.

Tasos Bakasetas fired just wide of the post within the first five minutes before Facundo Pellistri forced a crucial stop from Butland.

The former Engald goalkeeper was forced into action again before the break when he turned a close-range header from Fotis Ioannidis behind.

Panathinaikos continued to dominate and Pellistri should have scored midway through the first half when Duricic took advantage of some slack defending, but he failed to get his shot on target.

Rangers struggled to get out their own half, although Nico Raskin did come close against the run of play when he headed a Joe Rothwell cross over the bar.

The home side broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart when Duricic headed past Butland to make it 1-0 on the night and reduce the deficit.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but awarded after a lengthy VAR check found the Serbian to be onside.

However, Rangers restored their two-goal lead almost instantly when Gassama fired a volley past the Panathinaikos goalkeeper with his first touch and guarantee at least Europa League football until Christmas.