Rangers Beat Panathinaikos in Champions League Qualifier
Rangers Secure European Football Despite Panathinaikos Scare
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Rangers have booked their place in the next qualifying round of the Champions League, guaranteeing themselves European football for the season, after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Panathinaikos. Despite a late scare and a disallowed goal that was later overturned, the scottish giants held on to progress.
A Tense Encounter in Athens
The match in Athens was a nail-biting affair from the outset. Rangers, holding a slender advantage from the first leg, found themselves under immense pressure from the Greek hosts. Panathinaikos, buoyed by their home crowd, launched wave after wave of attacks, particularly in the second half.
The deadlock was broken by a moment of brilliance from Rangers’ Abdallah Sima, who found the back of the net from a corner. However, the lead was short-lived as Panathinaikos quickly responded.
VAR Drama and a Swift Replay
The second half saw Panathinaikos ramp up their offensive efforts. Their pressure paid off when filip Duricic appeared to have levelled the score with a header from a Bakasetas cross. The initial flag was raised for offside,but a lengthy VAR review by Italian referee Simone Sozza ultimately awarded the goal,much to the delight of the home supporters.Though, the drama was far from over. In a swift turn of events, Rangers managed to regain their advantage. Moments after the controversial equalizer, substitute Gassama, who had replaced Curtis, fired in a shot from 14 yards that nestled in off the post. This rare Rangers attack restored their two-goal cushion on aggregate and proved to be the decisive moment.
Missed Chances and Guaranteed European Football
In added time, Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers had a golden opportunity to seal the victory, but he was unable to beat Panathinaikos goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski on a counter-attack. Despite this late miss, it mattered little as Rangers held on for the win, securing their passage to the next qualifying round and, crucially, guaranteeing themselves group-stage European football for the upcoming season.
Shelbourne’s Champions League Dream Ends
Simultaneously occurring, Shelbourne‘s aspirations of progressing in the Champions League were dashed as they suffered a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Azerbaijani club Qarabag in the second qualifying round.
Having lost the first leg 3-0 at Tolka Park, the League of Ireland champions were unable to overturn the deficit in Baku. They were beaten 1-0 at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, with an own goal from John Martin in the 44th minute proving to be the decisive strike on the night.
Europa League Drop-Down
This elimination means Joey O’Brien’s side will now compete in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. Despite the setback, the experience of competing in Europe will undoubtedly be valuable for the club.Qarabag, who have previous experience in the Champions League group stage during the 2017-18 season, controlled much of the game. Shelbourne came close to finding an equalizer in the 56th minute when McInroy’s effort was saved by home goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.The Irish side were also fortunate not to fall further behind in the 68th minute when Wessel Speel saved a penalty from Qarabag’s Brazilian midfielder Kady Borges.