Novo sees Rangers through

Novo, guilty of wasteful finishing in last week's goalless stalemate at Ibrox, made amends by pouncing on a loose ball nine minutes from full-time to fire a precious away goal past Pana goalkeeper Mario Galinovic.

Ioannis Goumas had earlier given Panathinaikos the lead with the first goal in the tie in spectacular fashion with a thunderous 25-yard strike - and Rangers were far from impressive in what was a lethargic display from the SPL side.

The match began at a frantic tempo and it was Rangers who registered the first effort on goal when Kris Boyd fired a pot shot from the edge of the penalty area just wide of the right post following a slip by Goumas.

The visitors were forced on the backfoot shortly afterwards when Sasa Papac brought down Georgios Karagounis to concede a free-kick in a dangerous right-wing position.

Ivanschitz drew a fine save from Allan McGregor with a stinging shot and Marcelos Mattos' shot was blocked as several Rangers players closed in.

The ball was not cleared though and Rangers found themselves a goal behind after 12 minutes courtesy of a superb effort from the most unlikely of sources, their 32-year-old centre-back.

Panathanaikos dominated proceedings for the majority of the match with a Novo effort just before the break the best chance for the Gers. But just when it seemed Walter Smith's men were dead and buried, Novo made no mistake second time around.

Barry Ferguson picked out Chris Burke with a raking crossfield pass and the substitute sent over a dangerous low cross.

The ball bounced off the unfortunate Nasief Morris and landed at the feet of Novo - who slotted home into the bottom left corner from eight yards to send the pocket of 800 Rangers fans into frenzied celebrations.