Russell Martin’s Unexpected Stance Sparks Debate as Rangers Face Champions League Brink

Rangers took a big leap toward the Champions League play-offs with a commanding 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen, and boy, the pre-match shuffle had tongues wagging. Russell Martin, the man in charge, made a bold call by benching two of his veterans—Captain James Tavernier and Nico Raskin—right after a frustrating 1-1 draw at Motherwell. And guess what? It paid off handsomely. Djeidi Gassama was on fire, netting two goals, while Cyriel Dessers coolly converted a penalty to seal the deal at Ibrox. The fresh legs, including standout rookie Oliver Antman, sparked a level of dominance that was refreshing to see. Martin explained it best, insisting this squad is a collective effort, no one’s ever really “dropped,” just rotated for freshness and tenacity. It’s an approach that might ruffle some feathers but shines a light on the bigger picture: winning as a unit. Intrigued to dive deeper into this tactical twist and the up-and-coming stars lighting up the pitch? LEARN MORE

Rangers manager Russell Martin defended his decision to start two key players on the bench as the Scottish giants took a significant step towards the Champions League play-offs with a 3-0 win over Czech side Viktoria Plzen.

Djeidi Gassama bagged a brace and Cyriel Dessers dispatched a penalty as Rangers cruised to a comfortable third qualifying round first-leg victory at Ibrox.

But the big news before kick-off was the decision taken by Martin, who blasted his players following the 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Saturday, to remove captain James Tavernier and Nico Raskin from the starting eleven.

The decision appeared to pay off, however, with Martin’s side producing a dominant display ahead of the second leg in Pilsen next week.

And the new Rangers boss backed his decision, insisting he will need everyone in the squad to play their part.

“I don’t like the word dropped,” Martin told BBC Sport after the match.

“I said to the guys before that you don’t get dropped from the team. We’re going to need everyone [in the squad]. People are going to come out, we need freshness.

“You as head coach have to do what’s best for the team on the night. The guys that came on did brilliantly and that’s all you can ask for.

“There’s a tendency up here that one thing becomes a big thing, but it’s not at all. Tonight was the best team.

“I don’t think it’s going to be the same eleven week in, week out.”

If the pre-match headlines largely concerned the club’s long-serving players, the post-game focus will likely be on the fresh faces at Ibrox.

Gassama, who signed from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, has now scored in three consecutive European games, while there was also a standout performance from 23-year-old debutant Oliver Antman.

The Finnish youngster provided the assist for Gassama’s second and looked a constant threat down Rangers’ right-hand side.

Martin was pleased by the contribution of his two new signings but also praised the whole team for their showing.

“I’m really happy with a lot of it [the game],” Martin said.

“I was a bit annoyed with the last 15 minutes as I thought we got a little too sloppy and had the ball too much in our own half. But it’s my job to be demanding of the guys.

“It’s really difficult trying to learn a lot of detail and apply it with the right intensity and courage, especially after a tough afternoon on Saturday [against Motherwell]. So I’m really proud of the team.”