Rangers' New Wing Wizards Spark Champions League Dream Rangers have taken a significant step towards the Champions League play-off round after a dominant 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox. The win, in the first leg of the third qualifying round, was largely inspired by the electrifying performances of new wingers Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman, injecting pace and creativity into the Rangers attack.

Dynamic Duo Ignite Ibrox Gassama, signed from Sheffield Wednesday, continued his impressive start to life in Glasgow with another goal, while Antman, a recent arrival from Go Ahead Eagles, made an immediate impact on his debut, winning a penalty and providing an assist. The pair's direct running and eye for goal have given Rangers a new dimension, addressing a perceived weakness in the squad.

Cyriel Dessers also scored from the penalty spot, completing a comfortable victory that puts Rangers in a strong position heading into the second leg in the Czech Republic. However, manager Russell Martin will be keen to emphasise the need for focus and professionalism to avoid complacency against a Plzen side that will undoubtedly offer a sterner test on home soil.

Addressing a Long-Standing Issue For years, Rangers have struggled to find consistent quality and dynamism in the wide areas. The arrival of Gassama and Antman appears to have addressed this issue, providing a much-needed injection of pace and creativity. This has not gone unnoticed by former players and pundits.

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday, speaking on Sportscene, highlighted the transformative effect of the new wingers. "I can't remember the last time Rangers had two electric wingers on the pitch at the same time," he said. "For such a long period of time, it's been such a problem for Rangers."

Expert Analysis: A Tactical Shift Football analyst and tactical expert, Eilidh Barbour, commented on the strategic implications of Rangers' newfound width. "The addition of Gassama and Antman allows Rangers to stretch opposition defences, creating space in central areas for midfielders to operate. This tactical flexibility makes them a much more unpredictable and dangerous attacking force. Previously, Rangers were often too reliant on playing through the middle, making them easier to defend against."

Antman's Instant Impact Antman's debut was particularly impressive. The Finnish winger, who scored six goals and provided 15 assists for Go Ahead Eagles last season, showcased his creativity and work rate. He was unlucky not to score himself, seeing a shot blocked on the line, but his contribution to the team was undeniable.

"I think you can see why we wanted to sign him," said Rangers head coach Russell Martin. "He's game, he's willing, he's really competitive and he has moments of real quality."

Gassama's Goalscoring Touch Gassama's goalscoring form has been a revelation. The Mauritania-born winger has now scored four goals in his first four games for Rangers, a significant improvement on his previous output. His willingness to run in behind defenders and attack the back post has added a new dimension to the Rangers attack.

"We spoke about the need for some winger-to-winger goals and Gassama is really stepping up in terms of intensity, he really wants to score," Martin added.

Historical Context: The Laudrup Legacy The performances of Gassama and Antman have inevitably drawn comparisons to previous Rangers wingers, including the legendary Brian Laudrup. While it is perhaps premature to suggest that either player will reach the heights of the Danish icon, their early impact has certainly captured the imagination of the Rangers supporters.

Laudrup, who starred for Rangers in the 1990s, was renowned for his skill, creativity, and goalscoring ability. His performances helped Rangers win numerous trophies, including the Scottish Premier Division title. The hope now is that Gassama and Antman can emulate Laudrup's success and lead Rangers to further glory.

Looking Ahead The second leg against Viktoria Plzen will be a crucial test for Rangers. A place in the Champions League play-off round is within touching distance, but they will need to maintain their focus and intensity to secure their passage. The performances of Gassama and Antman will be key to their chances of success.

Rangers fans will be hoping that the dynamic duo can continue their impressive form and help the team achieve their ambitions both domestically and in Europe. The early signs are certainly promising, and the future looks bright for the Ibrox club.