Russell Martin’s Rangers side is set to face a tough challenge in the heat of Athens as they take on Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier. The Ibrox legend has been asked if his team can handle the pressure and intensity of the big game.

Key Takeaways from Recent Performance

In their recent friendly match against Middlesbrough, Rangers came from behind to draw 2-2, with Findlay Curtis scoring his second goal in as many games. While the result was promising, Martin will likely be focusing on improving his team’s performance in certain areas.

– Depth and Squad Strength: Martin noted that his team lacked depth and squad strength, which was evident in the second half of the match against Middlesbrough. He believes that his team needs to strengthen in certain areas to compete at the highest level.
– Attitude and Intensity: Martin expressed disappointment with the attitude and intensity of some of his players, particularly in the first half of the match. He emphasized the importance of being “all in” when playing for Rangers.

Lessons for the Big Game

As Rangers prepare to face Panathinaikos, Martin will be looking to his team to learn from their recent performances and apply those lessons to the big game.

– Starting Strong: Rangers will need to start strong and maintain their intensity throughout the match. Martin’s comments suggest that he’ll be emphasizing the importance of attitude and intensity in the upcoming game.
– Adapting to Pressure: The heat of Athens will undoubtedly add to the pressure of the match. Martin’s team will need to adapt to the conditions and maintain their focus on the task at hand.

Panathinaikos Match Preview

The Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos is a significant test for Rangers, and Martin’s team will need to be at their best to come out on top. With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Rangers will be looking to consolidate their advantage and secure a spot in the next round.

– Confidence and Momentum: The draw against Middlesbrough will have given Rangers confidence and momentum heading into the big game. Martin’s team will need to build on this momentum and maintain their focus on the task at hand.
– Tactical Preparation: Martin will be working hard to prepare his team tactically for the match against Panathinaikos. He’ll be looking to identify weaknesses in the opposition’s game plan and exploit them to Rangers’ advantage.

In conclusion, Russell Martin’s Rangers side faces a significant challenge in the heat of Athens as they take on Panathinaikos. While they’ve shown promise in recent performances, they’ll need to learn from those games and apply those lessons to the big match. With the right attitude, intensity, and tactical preparation, Rangers can overcome the challenge and secure a spot in the next round ¹.