Panathinaikos' new signing Ahmed Touba reckons their Champions League showdowns with Rangers are season-deciders.
And he believes their home advantage for the second leg could be crucial.
The Greeks arrive in Glasgow next week for the first leg of the second qualifying round and have completed their pre-season training camp in Austria.
And key central defender Touba admitted on their return to Athens that the matches with Rangers could define their season.
The Algerian international said: "We are all well aware how important these games against Rangers are for the club and for our season.
Read more:
-
Forgotten ex-Rangers player seals surprise deal with overseas club
-
My Rangers concern isn't the Champions League - here's the true marker
"We have to be ready for them and I think we will be.
"Anything less than qualifying will be a serious setback to the season.
"Look, anything can happen. It is an 11 v 11 game.
"But the advantage for us is that we will also have the tremendous support of our fans for the second game at home, which could be very important.
"We have a thirst for the new season and it kicks off with the matches against Rangers.
"I feel very good since the first day I came to the country. The people here are very kind. Also, everyone in the team welcomed me in the best way.
"We worked very hard in the training camp. We need to rest up now and be ready for Rangers."
