A new chapter for Rangers Football Club began on a high note as Russell Martin celebrated a triumphant 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos in his inaugural match as manager. This crucial Champions League second qualifying round first leg clash saw emerging talents Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama net the decisive goals, igniting hopes for a promising season under Martin's stewardship. The return leg is set for next Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 16:25 UK time, promising another captivating encounter.

Martin's Vision: A New Era of Possession-Based Football

From the outset, it was abundantly clear that Martin's signature philosophy, honed during his previous spells at MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, is firmly entrenched at Ibrox: absolute domination of the ball. His demanding approach saw Rangers meticulously playing out from the back, orchestrating quick ball movement, and relentlessly striving to maintain possession across all areas of the pitch. While the visitors were reduced to ten men in the 58th minute, a factor not to be overlooked, Rangers' 75% possession statistic speaks volumes. This figure was achieved only four times in over 50 games last season, a stark contrast to their 41% average in 12 Europa League matches. Furthermore, their 708 attempted passes and remarkable 655 completions (a 92% success rate) surpassed any single game from the previous season, dwarfing their average of approximately 435 attempts and 360 completions. The strategic shift towards possession was unequivocally evident.

Tactical Nuances and Emerging Challenges

Rangers adopted their familiar 4-3-3 formation, but the inventive movement of the full-backs, particularly James Tavernier and Max Aarons, became a notable talking point. Both were frequently observed drifting into central areas, effectively slotting between the two centre-backs to collect the ball. Aarons even ventured into a deep-lying central midfield position, showcasing the tactical fluidity. While this bold approach led to Rangers being caught in possession on several occasions, it's highly improbable that Martin will deviate from this core strategy. Defensively, areas for improvement remain, especially considering Rangers' concerning record of just two clean sheets in their final 17 games last season. However, Jack Butland proved his mettle with several crucial saves, exuding confidence after a challenging end to the previous campaign. On-loan Wolves defender Nasser Djiga impressed with his blend of speed and strength, appearing well-suited for a high-line system, though his defensive partner John Souttar's comparatively lower pace could expose wider spaces, particularly when Aarons and Tavernier tuck inside. The question remains: will Martin adjust personnel or tactics to mitigate these risks, or is this simply an inherent part of the risk-reward strategy Rangers fans will need to embrace?

Midfield Masterclass and Attacking Spark

Joe Rothwell delivered a superb debut performance, showcasing a cool, calm, and composed presence that immediately positions him as an indispensable component of Martin's blueprint. His exemplary ability to retrieve the ball from deep positions, retain possession, and execute incisive passes was on full display—a transitional quality that Rangers have noticeably lacked. The presence of Rothwell is poised to significantly benefit two of Rangers' standout performers from last season, Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande. Raskin was observed operating in a far more advanced role than before, creating opportunities and driving forward, while Diomande thrives with increased freedom higher up the pitch, which Rothwell's deep-lying play can afford him. Doubts regarding the team's creative spark quickly dissipated when 18-year-old Findlay Curtis, a pre-season revelation, netted a fantastic opening goal—his first for the club. The new system and formation appear to grant wingers ample space to operate, necessitating their ability to beat defenders. However, no player generated more excitement than Djeidi Gassama upon his 75th-minute introduction from the bench. Martin had previously hailed him as a player who would put supporters on the edge of their seats, and it took him mere minutes to deliver on that promise. Gassama’s 78th-minute strike—a powerful drive down the left, a sharp cut inside, and a finish from outside the box—was almost a mirror image of Curtis’s opener. Martin clearly views his wingers as key difference-makers. Gassama’s arrival injected a palpable surge of energy, joined by last season’s top scorers, Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers. Igamane played a pivotal role in Gassama’s goal, dropping deep to collect, hold, and distribute the ball to Diomande. Dessers, despite recent transfer speculation, might still have a significant role to play in this tie. New signing Thelo Aasgaard, who missed the first leg due to injury, is expected to be available for the second leg, hinting at potential team changes, especially in the attacking third, even with less than a week until the next game.

Looking Ahead: Premiership Kick-off and Old Firm Clashes

Beyond their European aspirations, Rangers are preparing to commence their 2025/26 Scottish Premiership campaign. Their season kicks off away at Motherwell on Saturday, August 2, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports. Martin's first Premiership game at Ibrox will be against Steven Pressley's Dundee on Saturday, August 9. The highly anticipated first Old Firm clash of the season sees Celtic visit Ibrox on Sunday, August 31, live on Sky Sports—a fixture that could prove pivotal as Martin's side aims to narrow the gap on their city rivals this season. The Glasgow giants will meet again at Celtic Park on Wednesday, January 3, also live on Sky Sports, with their final pre-split encounter at Ibrox scheduled for February 28.

Source:

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11781/13400504/range