Who will win Panathinaikos vs Rangers as our writers predict Champions League qualifying clash
Rangers head for the heat of Athens as they bid to keep their Champions League dream alive and kicking.
Russell Martin got off to the perfect start last midweek with his troops dumping Panathinaikos 2-0 on home turf to head for Greece in a strong position.
But the scoreline doesn't tell the whole story with the Greek giants denied on more than one occasion by the impressive Jack Butland.
However, the important tally at the end of the day is the scoreline and with a two-goal advantage going into the return, the Light Blues will be looking to complete the job and advance to face one of Servette or Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round.
Advancing past this stage also guarantees at minimum a parachute into the Europa League proper and moves the dream of joining Europe's elite at the top table one step closer.
Record Sport's top team try and predict how the showdown will go and who will reach the next stage of qualifying.
Scott McDermott
The tie is by no means over but Russell Martin's side can do enough to go through. With Djeidi Gassama in line for a start, he'll pose a major threat on the counter attack and will be key to Gers scoring a vital goal. Their experience - albeit under different managers - of going away from home in Europe and getting a result in recent years will be crucial.
Panathinaikos 1 Rangers 1
Avoiding losing the first goal is important but I also strongly fancy Rangers to score as they exploit gaps when Panathinaikos open up and that should be good enough to see them through. It won't be without scares but a score draw will ensure progress is as comfortable as fans could hope for.
Panathinaikos 2 Rangers 2
Keith Jackson
Rangers take a two goal lead into this second leg but there's no way of knowing whether it'll be enough, given that the Greeks could have been three up in the first half of the opening leg at Ibrox. On the flip side, Russell Martin's side could have killed this tie stone dead after the turn around. An early away goal in Athens might knock some of the stuffing out of Panathinaikos but it will probably be a long, nervous night either way.
Panathinaikos 2 Rangers 1
Gavin Berry
It's going to be hot, humid and a bit sticky at times for Russell Martin's men. A typically nervy away day Champions League qualifier. Think Famagusta in 1995 and 2005, Copenhagen in 2003 and Belgrade in 2007 - but the two-goal lead can see Rangers through.
Panathinaikos 2 Rangers 1
Scott Burns
I think Rangers will have enough with their 2-0 cushion from Ibrox. There might be a few scary moments but I think they will see it through.
Panathinaikos 1 Rangers 1
Ross Pilcher
They might have to ride it out a bit but that could suit Rangers with the way Russell Martin wants them to play. It will be hostile, but they've done the necessary in Europe against better teams than the Greeks without a two-goal cushion.
Panathinaikos 1 Rangers 1
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