Preview: Panathinaikos vs Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

Panathinaikos will aim to overturn a two-goal deficit when they host Rangers on Wednesday in the second leg of their second qualifying round clash in the Champions League.

The Gers were dominant in their 2-0 victory over the Shamrock last week, leaving Wednesday's visitors with one-foot in the third qualifying round.

Match preview

Panathinaikos secured their place in the Champions League qualifiers after placing second in the Stoiximan Super League last term, narrowly one point ahead of fourth-placed PAOK.

The Shamrock had an inconsistent pre-season ahead of their opening competitive game of the campaign against Rangers in the first leg, recording two wins, two defeats and one draw.

While their final friendly fixture was an encouraging 3-1 win over KVC Westerlo, Panathinaikos were unable to maintain their momentum in their first leg meeting with the Gers.

Rui Vitoria's side travelled to Ibrox hoping to avoid a significant defeat ahead of the second leg clash at their home ground, but a 2-0 loss leaves them on the verge of elimination.

Panathinaikos were second best for much of the encounter, holding just 25% of the ball throughout the clash, but with 14 shots to Rangers' 16, the Greek side have shown they are capable of causing harm to the Gers defence.

However, Rangers are in strong form heading into the second-leg encounter, as they remain undefeated in their last eight games across all competitions with three wins and five defeats.

Russell Martin, who was appointed in June 2025, is therefore yet to taste defeat in the Rangers hotseat, while the new boss has registered victory in his only competitive match in charge.

Martin's side have shown signs of getting increasingly accustomed to their new manager's playing style - as shown by holding 75% of the ball in the first leg - and they will be looking for another improved performance on Wednesday.

Following their 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos last week, Rangers were held 2-2 in a friendly meeting with Middlesbrough, meaning they may have greater match sharpness than their opponents.

Panathinaikos Champions League form:

Panathinaikos form (all competitions):

Rangers Champions League form:

Rangers form (all competitions):

Team News

Panathinaikos are expected to be without Anastasios Bakasetas after the midfielder was forced off with an injury in the first leg, while Giorgos Vagiannidis is suspended after receiving a red card in the 2-0 loss.

In Bakasetas's absence, Facundo Pellistri, Filip Duricic and Fotis Ioannidis could be joined by Daniel Mancini as part of the attacking four.

As for Rangers, Finlay Curtis has scored in all of his last three appearances for the Gers, including the opening goal in the first leg, and the winger should keep his place in the team as a result.

Danilo and Djeidi Gassama could join the winger in the attacking trio, while Nicolas Raskin, Joe Rothwell and Mohammed Diomande could start in midfield.

Panathinaikos possible starting lineup:

Dragowski; Jedvaj, Palmer-Brown, Touba, Kyriakopoulos; Chirivella, Maksimovic; Pellestri, Duricic, Mancini; Ioannidis

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons; Diomande, Rothwell, Raskin; Gassama, Danilo, Curtis

We say: Panathinaikos 1-2 Rangers (Rangers to win 4-1 on aggregate)

This game is likely to be much closer as Panathinaikos look to make use of their home advantage to get back into the tie, but Rangers' dominance was clear in the first leg and we ultimately expect the Gers to win once again.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.