Leon Balogun reacts as Rangers share Champions League message
Rangers are gearing up for the second leg of their Champions League qualifier with Panathinaikos on Wednesday.
The Light Blues established a 2-0 aggregate lead over their Greek opponents on Tuesday, 22 July, thanks to Findlay Curtis’ strike and Djeidi Gassama’s debut goal.
Russell Martin’s men subsequently played out a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough in their final pre-season game on Saturday, 26 July.
Rangers are now tasked with defending their two-goal lead when they head to Greece for a vital clash on 30 July.
Balogun reacts as Rangers share Panathinaikos preparations
The Ibrox club enjoyed a largely successful European campaign last term by reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.
But Martin intends to guide his new side to the Champions League, where they could face mouthwatering ties against the likes of Barcelona.
Ahead of their showdown with Rui Vitoria’s men, the Bears wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, 29 July: “Preparing for Panathinaikos”, which attracted a like from former Rangers defender Leon Balogun.
Martin is already facing a vital week in charge at Ibrox
Football Insider verdict
While Rangers must allow Martin enough time to implement his methods at Ibrox, the former Southampton boss is already facing a vital week in charge of the Scottish Premiership giants.
| Opponent | Date |
| Panathinaikos (A) | 30/07 |
| Motherwell (A) | 02/08 |
| Dundee (H) | 09/08 |
Steering the Gers to the next phase of Champions League qualifying is an important step for the 39-year-old to make as he vies for a successful campaign.
Meanwhile, after they clash with Panathinaikos on 30 July, Rangers face a quick turnaround as their Scottish Premiership season begins with a trip to Motherwell on Saturday, 2 August.
After enduring poor results in several winnable games last term, the Ibrox giants finished a whopping 17 points behind Celtic in the top-flight title race.
Saturday’s trip to Motherwell, therefore, gives Martin an early opportunity to right one of the wrongs committed by both Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson last term.
But if Rangers fail to beat Jens Berthel Askou’s side this weekend, the expectant Light Blues faithful will already start doubting whether Martin is the right man for the job.
Elsewhere, an Ibrox News exclusive has outlined the hurdles Rangers have amid their interest in Southampton’s Samuel Edozie.