Panathinaikos Vs Rangers Match Analysis and Prediction

Panathinaikos Vs Rangers Match Analysis and Prediction

(UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg – 30 July 2025)

Match Context

• Rangers lead 2-0 from the first leg at Ibrox .
• Panathinaikos must win by at least two goals to force extra time; Rangers need only avoid a heavy defeat to advance.

Team Analysis

Panathinaikos

• Winless in pre-season friendlies (0 goals in 5 matches) and lost 2-0 in the first leg. Key issues include poor conversion (28 shots, 0 goals in last 5 games) .
• Defender Georgios Vagiannidis suspended after a red card in the first leg .
• Likely a 4-3-3 focusing on midfield control. Expect high pressing early to exploit Rangers’ defensive vulnerabilities .
• Weakness: Low attacking efficiency (1.0 goals per match average) and disciplinary issues (24 fouls in last 5 games) .

Rangers

• Unbeaten in 8 matches (W3 D5), including the first-leg win. Scored in all last 5 games, with Findlay Curtis netting twice in two appearances .
• 4-2-3-1 formation prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacks. James Tavernier remains critical for set-pieces and assists .
• Strength: High pass accuracy (92% in first leg) and resilience in European away games (no losses in last 3 UCL trips) .
• Weakness: Vulnerable to quick transitions; conceded 2+ goals in 4 of last 6 away matches .

Tactical Battle

• Panathinaikos’ Strategy: Attack aggressively from kick-off, using wingers Palacios and Pellistri to exploit spaces behind Rangers’ full-backs. Must improve shot conversion .
• Rangers’ Strategy: Defend deep, absorb pressure, and counter via Curtis and Gassama. Focus on set-pieces (Tavernier created 6 chances in first leg) .
• Key Duel: Ioannidis (PAN) vs Souttar/King (RAN) – Panathinaikos’ top scorer must break Rangers’ center-back pairing .

Our Prediction of the Match

• Match Outcome: 1-1 Draw (Rangers advance 3-1 on aggregate) .

Key Statistics Influencing Prediction: