Gers held by Panathinaikos

Even the late introduction of Daniel Cousin failed to break down the stubborn resistance of the Greek defence.

Rangers now face a daunting trip to Athens for the second leg next week knowing they have to score to keep their European hopes alive.

On-loan Fulham midfielder Steve Davis made his debut for Walter Smith's side, but the biggest cheer when the teams were read out was reserved for fans' favourite Nacho Novo, who earned his first start since the win over Inverness in early November.

The Spaniard was clearly up for the challenge, pouncing on Lee McCulloch's header within a few minutes of kick-off only to send a left-footed drive straight at goalkeeper Mario Galinovic, who gratefully smothered.

Only the heroics of the Pana goalkeeper denied Davis a debut goal. Charlie Adam's charge into the box from the left flank was challenged by Giannis Goumas but his clearance broke to Davis 30 yards out, who forced Galinovic to dive smartly to his left to block the powerful effort.

A blunder from Goumas then almost gifted Rangers the opener when he tried to knock Barry Ferguson's header back to the goalkeeper. The pass was poor and he also failed to hold off Novo, who could have claimed his seventh goal of the season had it not been for Galinovic's frantic clearance.

Novo then collected a long ball from Brahim Hemdani and powered his way into the box only to fire off the legs of the goalkeeper instead of leaving the net bulging.

Lee McCulloch went close with a header just after half-time and Novo had a penalty appeal turned down. Cousin was thrown into the action

Galinovic was in fine form again to keep the scoreline level, first denying Ferguson's point-blank effort before clawing Novo's rebound shot from the gaping goal. And Allan McGregor pulled off a great save of his own as the tie ended goalless.