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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers player ratings as Gassama steals spotlight on tricky night

Jack Butland 8

Another big night from the Rangers No1. Called into action to deny Ioannidis after just seven minutes with a smart stop. Raced out of goal to save from Pellistri after a defensive mix-up on 14 minutes. Denied Ioannidis for a second time before the break with a reaction stop. Left bamboozled by Duricic's header, which completely wrong-footed him as the ball rolled into the bottom corner.

James Tavernier 5

Almost gifted Panathinaikos a goal as he was robbed of the ball after a risky pass from Djiga. Played a more important role in calming his team-mates after the opener when the hosts threatened to take over. Uncharacteristically sloppy and very quiet moving up the park. Moved into central defence in the latter stages.

John Souttar 5

As at Ibrox, the Scotland international was more than willing to throw himself in front of the ball. He was less convincing with the ball at his feet as he lost possession in dangerous areas when trying to drive out of defence on numerous occasions. Won a few headers in the box to clear danger, but a handful of scary moments too.

Nasser Djiga 5

Hardly rock-solid in the centre of defence. Clearly, instructed to play out at all costs, but too often played himself and his team-mates into trouble. To his credit, was never deterred by any mistakes and continued to play out and make himself available for the ball. 

Max Aarons 5

Looked very uncomfortable on the left of the Rangers defence. Naturally, a right-back, Aarons was shaky in Greece. More than a few wayward passes on a challenging night before he was moved to the right of the back five and immediately looked more at home. Major misunderstanding with Souttar presented a golden chance to Ioannidis, but the full-back was bailed out by Butland.

Joe Rothwell 7

Kept his cool when team-mates looked under pressure and seriously nervous. Assured on the ball and alert to sniff out the danger on occasion. More than up for the rough and tumble in the centre of the park. Wasn't glamorous but did what was required and relieved pressure with retaining possession in the middle.

Nico Raskin 6

Russell Martin asked for courage, aggression and a relentless nature from his players; Raskin always delivers. A hive of industry in the middle, he had the quality to play when it was on, but also do the dirty work when it was necessary to protect his defence. Battling nature led to equaliser as he bundled into the box to tee up Danilo strikes before Gassama finish.

Mohamed Diomande 6

Put in a real shift in challenging conditions. Was desperate to haul Rangers up the park any time they had possession. Spent a lot of time sprinting around the park shutting down players and angles rather than being creative himself.

Kieran Dowell 5

Appears to be a regular under Martin but was largely anonymous in Athens. Limited involvement going forward, and didn't have the pace to spark any counter-attacks. Sloppy marking as he allowed Duricic to run freely into the box to nod home the opening goal for Panathinaikos.

Findlay Curtis 6

A far less memorable night for the teenage talent. Given the nod again with Gassama unable to play 90 minutes for Rangers. Rare sight of goal for the visitors on the half-hour after a deflection in the box, but he couldn't steady himself as he turned wide from close range.

Danilo 6

A thankless task as a sole striker in the sweltering Athens heat. Lots of running and pressing but very little of the ball as Rangers struggled to create for large periods. First shots on target were well saved but led to the opener as Gassma lashed home from a second rebound.

Djeidi Gassama (for Curtis, 58) 7

Took just two minutes before he hammered home to equalise. Already a fan favourite after two electric supersub showings for the Ibrox club. Looks like a real difference maker for Rangers. Booked for his celebration. 

Jefte (for Dowell, 74) 5

Slotted into left-back in a back five for final period as Aarons moved to right and Tavernier central. Nothing flashy, but neat and tidy. Job done.

Nedim Bajrami (for Rothwell, 82) 4

Deployed in an advanced role in the closing stages. Pressed but didn't see very much of the ball.

Cyriel Dessers (for Danilo, 82) 4

Clearly, still getting back to full fitness after a disrupted pre-season. Huge opportunity in the 92nd minute as he broke offside trap but then his curled effort was well saved low by the keeper.

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