Leon Balogun reacts as Djeidi Gassama scores on Rangers debut
Rangers new boy Djeidi Gassama announced himself to the Ibrox crowd in style by scoring against Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday.
Russell Martin’s men were unable to break down the Greek outfit in the opening 45 minutes, and went into the half-time break at 0-0.
But second-half goals from academy graduate Findlay Curtis and former Sheffield Wednesday man Gassama ensured that the Gers enjoyed a 2-0 win on 22 July.
Rangers face a pre-season friendly with Middlesbrough on Saturday, 26 July, four days before their away leg in Greece.
Balogun reacts as Rangers share Gassama message after debut success
Gassama’s solo goal against Panathinaikos provided an early glimpse of the quality he can offer Rangers this season.
Meanwhile, the Ibrox giants took to Instagram on 22 July to make a joint post with the winger, displaying photos of his best moments in the Champions League qualifier.
The post attracted a like from defender Leon Balogun, who is still a popular figure among the Bears faithful despite leaving the Scottish giants at the end of last season.
Martin creates platform to succeed at Ibrox
Football Insider verdict
Martin’s main goal this season is to help the Bears knock bitter rivals Celtic off their perch, and help the Ibrox side to their first Scottish Premiership title since 2021.
| Opponent | Date |
| Middlesbrough (H) | 26/07 |
| Panathinaikos (A) | 30/07 |
| Motherwell (A) | 02/08 |
Meanwhile, after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals last term, the Glaswegian side will also be eager to taste further success in Europe under the former Southampton boss.
Thanks to their 2-0 victory at Ibrox on Tuesday, Rangers are in good standing to progress to the next round of Champions League qualifiers, where they will face either Czech side Viktoria Plzen or Swiss Super League outfit Servette.
But most crucially, the Gers’ win over Panathinaikos shows that the Light Blues squad have responded well to Martin’s coaching methods, which shows that they can achieve success together in the Scottish Premiership.
After struggling in the Premier League with Southampton last season, Martin has a point to prove north of the border, but Tuesday’s triumph could be a positive sign of things to come.
Elsewhere, Ibrox News have exclusively revealed that Dutch giants Feyenoord will not table a club record bid for Bears ace Hamza Igamane.