Rangers, Hibs, Dundee United Await Champions League Second Qualifying Draw

Rangers are set to enter the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round as seeded participants, facing one of three potential opponents: Panathinaikos from Greece, Servette from Switzerland, or SK Brann from Norway. The draw, held on June 18 in Nyon, Switzerland, marks the start of Rangers' challenging campaign to secure a spot in the Champions League proper, requiring progression through three qualifying rounds. Panathinaikos, the toughest on paper, finished second in the Greek league and have a mixed recent form but a history of unbeaten matches against Scottish teams; key player Fotis Ioannidis is a notable threat despite a modest last season. Servette and Brann are less highly ranked in European club standings compared to Rangers, who finished second in the Scottish Premiership, and the club's management emphasizes the importance of European competition revenue for the club's growth. The first leg of Rangers' opening tie is scheduled for late July, and head coach Russell Martin will have limited time to prepare the squad, which he is still assembling. Overall, this campaign represents a critical effort for Rangers to return to European group stage football following their deep Europa League run last season and a poor Champions League showing the previous year.