Panathanaikos present toughest start for new Rangers boss Russell Martin

They don’t need long memories for inspiration that they can get over this hurdle having produced a Europa League draw in Pireaus against eventual Greek champions Olympiacos last November.

Portuguese coach Vitoria has made minimal changes to his squad from last season and remains hopeful of coercing Morocco international midfielder Azzedine Ounahi back to Athens after a fruitful season on loan from Marseille last term, although Spaniards Girona have also been keen on one of the North African nation’s 2022 World Cup stars.

Panathinaikos made the last 16 of the Conference League in season 2024-25, losing out to Fiorentina, but the 1971 runners-up haven’t competed in the Champions League proper for 15 years. It is something they are desperate to rectify as they rounded off their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Belgians Westerlo in Athens’ Olympic Stadium, where they will host Rangers next Wednesday.

“These matches are always different from the official ones,” midfielder Adam Cerin said after that game.

“Things are not easy but we showed that we are in good shape. There are factors like the atmosphere at Ibrox. We prepared well and we will give everything.

“We will give our best for a result there so that we can come to Athens with a positive result.”

Coach Vitoria is confident that they can edge past their Scottish hosts over the two legs, saying: “We have ambition, quality and we want to qualify against Rangers.

“Rangers, they are a strong team, they have a history in Europe and especially in the Champions League, but we have our own chances. We have ambition and belief in our abilities, we have quality, we believe in ourselves and we want to qualify.”

With temperatures in Athens due to hit 41 degrees this week, Martin will know the importance of taking an advantage to the ancient city for next week’s return, ready or not.