Panathinaikos legend warns ex-club of 'explosive' Ibrox atmosphere

The National

3 days ago

Rangers host Panathinaikos in Glasgow in the second qualifying round of the Champions League with the return in Athens.
The last time the sides met, it finished goalless at Ibrox in 2008 before Giumas opened the scoring for the hosts in the return leg.
But an 81st minute goal from Nacho Novo saw Rangers go through on away goals to send them into the Last 16 in a competition where they eventually went all the way to the final before losing to Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester.
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And Goumas - who spent his entire career at Panathinaikos and helped Greece win Euro 2004 - is wary of the Ibrox atmosphere.
He said: "The key for the tie is for Panathinaikos to withstand the pressure in Scotland.
"I scored a great goal against Rangers in 2008, but it meant nothing because we didn't qualify. It was a shame because it was one of the best goals of my career.
"Rangers are also undergoing transformation with a new manager and players and we don't know how they will present themselves in these two games.
"But they are a Scottish team and we know the Scots bring out that extra passion, especially at home.
"The atmosphere in front of their fans will be explosive.
"That's the key for me, in the first game Panathinaikos will have to withstand the pressure and must try to be able to score without being afraid of the home team.
"They have to go and play their game, get a result and if they do that, I think their task will be easier in the second leg.
"Any player who wears the Panathinaikos jersey must honour it and give everything they have.
"There is no need for fear, but there is certainly pressure in Glasgow."
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos have slashed ticket prices for their home leg against Rangers next week to just £13 in a bid to get a full house.
The game has been moved to Athens' Olympic Stadium because Panathinaikos' home stadium is still being renovated and they want to get as close to the capacity of 69,000 as possible.