Rangers will face Panathinaikos in the Champions League in July to book a place in the competition’s group phase.
The Gers will play two legs against the Greek outfit in the second qualifying round to book a place in the third and the play-off rounds.
Russell Martin has been appointed at Ibrox, and the ex-Southampton boss may have some fresh faces in the starting lineup if signings are made before then.
The Light Blues finished second in the Scottish Premiership and made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season under Barry Ferguson, and now have a difficult task on their hands to get Champions League football.
Rangers prospects in Champions League a joke as Premier League have several teams
Mark McDougall has slammed the Champions League for having multiple English teams while the Gers have to go through the qualifying rounds.
The Herald journalist isn’t pleased to see two historic teams, such as the Light Blues and Panathinaikos, having to play qualifiers to enter the league phase of the European competition.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are the Premier League outfits that have qualified for next season’s Champions League group stage, which has been branded a joke.
McDougall wrote on X (18 June): “I know it’s always said, but the fact you get about 10 English teams in the league phase while two clubs like Rangers and Panathinaikos have to face each other in the second of four qualifying rounds is a joke.”
Martin must ensure Champions League qualification at Ibrox
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have promised a major investment at the Gers this summer, and they will hope to reap the benefits immediately.
Qualifying for the Champions League’s group stage will arguably give the Light Blues a significant financial boost, but it remains to be seen whether they can achieve that goal at Ibrox.
Even Celtic haven’t qualified directly for the group stage of the competition despite winning the Scottish Premiership and making it to the knockout phase play-offs round last season.
| Scottish Premiership table | Points |
| 1. Celtic | 92 |
| 2. Rangers | 75 |
Martin has a challenging task on his hands at Rangers, with the squad arguably not capable of doing much in Europe as things stand.
The likes of Conor Coady have been linked with a move to Ibrox, but it remains to be seen what sort of business the Gers can complete before they face Panathinaikos.
Despite a poor domestic season in the previous campaign, the Light Blues treated their fans to some exciting performances in the Europa League.
The Bears start their pre-season soon, and the 39-year-old head coach will hope for fresh faces to arrive soon as he looks to implement his ideas in G51.
