Rangers did just enough to progress to the next round of the UEFA Cup but Panathinaikos' have had their European efforts ended for this season.  The hosts would have felt confident going into this second leg in Athens knowing they only needed to win to go through after they secured a 0-0 draw in Glasgow.  However their failure to score on their travels always left them open to problems should Rangers grab an away goal and that is exactly what happened.  The Greens led 1-0 but missed a number of chances in and end to end contest to put the game beyond doubt.  In the end they were made to pay as Nacho Novo scored a late goal to turn the tie on its head and Rangers will now go through to face Werder Bremen in the last 16.

The home side kept a 4-4-2 formation and didn't make too many changes from the last game between the sides.  Postiga came in to join Salipingidis in the front pair with Ndoye dropping to the bench.  There was also a switch in the middle of the park as Ivanschitz took the place of Simao in the centre.  Rangers changed from their 4-5-1 to a much more attacking 4-4-2 as they looked to avoid being put under pressure from the beginning.  That tactic didn't work immediately but they definitely possessed more of a threat and in the end it was Novo, lamented for his first leg misses, who sent them through.  Boyd was also given a rare run in a match this important but he did himself no favours by failing to find the net once more.

The hosts received an early warning when Boyd flashed wide of the goal but they had their on shot which flew over.  The Greeks slowly began to get on top with Ivanschitz and Mattos both going close before the deadlock was broken.  Goumas collected the ball some distance out but turned and lashed a sensational shot beyond McGregor.  The defender then had another effort save but Novo almost snatched an equaliser before half time when his shot was turned over.  McGregor kept his side alive after the break as he saved from both Karagounis and Ivanschitz.  Rangers began to push further forward as the time ran out on their hopes but they looked to have ran out of ideas.  Then they found a goal from nowhere to change everything.  Naismith's cross was not properly cleared and fell perfectly for Novo to slot into the corner.  The guests stayed calm and saw out time to secure the scoring draw they needed.

Rangers will be delighted at going through as it represents a rare European success under Walter Smith.  However they will have to be at their absolute best if they are to stand any chance of making it past a solid Bundesliga side.  Panathinaikos will know they had a great chance here and made a mess of it.  They only have themselves to blame as Rangers took the chance when it mattered and they did not.