We are picking up the pace in the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Round 2 with a clash between two of the biggest teams in Scotland and Greece: Rangers vs. Panathinaikos. The first game will take place at Ibrox Stadium, and the home Rangers team are touted to have an advantage here.
Rangers Team News
After a long summer vacation, Rangers are back in action in the Champions League. The team has played just one friendly game – against Club Brugge, which ended in a 2-2 draw. This will be Rangers’ first official game of the 2025/26 season, and there are a lot of expectations ahead of it. Although the club has had success at the European stage in recent years, that has come from playing in the Europa League. Boss Russell Martin will be eager to return Rangers to the Continent’s most prestigious club tournament, and his first test will be the Greek heavyweights.
Panathinaikos Team News
Panathinaikos has played several friendly games before their clash with Rangers, which coincidentally will also be the first official game of the 2025/26 season for the Greek team. The team has played a total of 5 preparatory fixtures, which included losses to Braga and Nordsjælland, victories against Westerlo and Metalist and a draw against Schalke 04. Overall, Panathinaikos showed that they could be vulnerable against tougher opposition like Braga, but are more than capable of putting up a fight and finding ways to score. Considering that Rangers’ level is around that of Braga or even higher, that game might be a good indicator of what is to come for the Greeks.
Head-to-Head-Games
Curiously enough, Rangers and Panathinaikos have met a total of 4 times – 2 in the Europa League and 2 in the UCL. Rangers have never recorded a win over Panathinaikos, with 3 of their 4 H2H games ending in stalemates. The Greek team has won 1 game, and in Scotland, no less. That was also the only game of the H2H records that produced over 2.5 goals.
Rangers vs Panathinaikos Betting Prediction
Although Rangers have never had a win of Panathinaikos, I expect them to win here, albeit narrowly. It is early days in the season, and much is still unknown. I fully expect Panathinaikos to put up a fight, but the home advantage might play a crucial part that early in the season, hence why I am backing Rangers here.
👉Betting Tip: Rangers To Win
🌐Bookmaker: BC.Game
📊Odds: 1.84
BC.Game
Place your bet on Rangers – Panathinaikos at BC.Game