Antman was the man as far as Rangers fans were concerned on his debut at Ibrox

21:47, 05 Aug 2025Updated 07:52, 06 Aug 2025

It was the best performance of the Russell Martin era at Rangers yet after a forward line of new signing Djeidi Gassama, Cyriel Dessers and new signing Oliver Antman blew Viktoria Plzen away.

They may be filming Spider-Man in Glasgow but Antman was the only Avenger Rangers fans were interested as he started on the right of an exciting forward three.

In the end it was Gassama at the double and Dessers converting from the penalty spot that earned them a 3-0 win that leaves them as good as through to the Champions League playoff round. But Antman was arguably the most impressive of the three – he won the penalty for Dessers and crossed brilliantly for Gassama’s second.

Gutsy boss Martin rung in the changes with Nicolas Raskin and captain James Tavernier among those axed.

There were impressive performances all over the pitch – the only man who didn’t really contribute was Jack Butland who barely had a sniff of the ball at Ibrox.

Here’s how Record Sport rated the players.

Rangers player ratings

JACK BUTLAND: Rangers may not have made it this far without their rejuvenated keeper but thankfully for Martin, this time he barely had a save to make. Tipped over a long-range effort late on. 7

MAX AARONS: Finally given a chance to show what he can do on his natural right-hand side of defence as he took James Tavernier’s spot.

Max Aarons battles for possession with Denis Visinsky of Viktoria Plzen

Looked far more settled on his favoured side, as he demonstrated with a sublime ball in behind for goal No3. 7

JOHN SOUTTAR: Skipper for the night had to defend on the edge on occasion, as required by Rangers’ new risk-and-reward mindset but kept his cool under pressure. 7

NASSER DJIGA: Giant Wolves loanee seems to grow in stature by the week. Solid defensively but looking more and more assured on the ball. Vital block on Vydra prevented Czechs from scoring opener. 7

JEFTE: Martin had overlooked the Brazilian during his first three games in charge but he’s firmly in the gaffer’s plan now. Slack early pass almost caused problems and picked up a needless booking. But definitely gave Rangers a better balance down the left. 7

JOE ROTHWELL: Another steady Eddie performance from the Englishman in front of the back-four as he kept Rangers ticking over. Tired after the break. 7

MOHAMED DIOMANDE: And up and down night for the Ivorian. Lucky Plzen didn’t pounce when the ball got caught under his feet in the first half. Sorted them quicker early in second half as he clipped the crossbar. 7

LYALL CAMERON: Huge chance for the former Dundee kid as he snatched Nico Raskin’s place. Martin was looking for extra energy in the engine room and he certainly delivered not only that but some nice touches too. Deserved the fans’ ovation as he was replaced. 8

OLIVER ANTMAN: What an introduction! New £4million signing was flung straight in for his first start just 24 hours after meeting his team-mates.

Oliver Antman beats Lucas Cerv of Viktoria Plzen

Took half an hour to find his feet before announcing himself with a surging run for the penalty and a pin-point cross for Gassama’s second. 9

DJEIDI GASSAMA: Gers’ Euro hero just can’t stop scoring. It’s now four in three Champions League clashes for the Frenchman, who looks to have already repaid the £2.5million it took to sign him from Sheffield Wednesday. 9

CYRIEL DESSERS: Last year’s top scorer has been made to wait for his first start but picked up where he left off, tucking home a cool penalty after he choose the perfect moment to release Gassama for the opener. 8

Subs

NICO RASKIN: Replaced Rothwell midway through second half but was bizarrely already on a booking after copping a yellow for stopping a Plzen throw-in while warming up. Showed no signs of disappointment at being dropped. 4

DANILO: Gave Dessers a breather with 18 minutes left. Chance blocked after great cut-back from Antman. 3

CONNOR BARRON: Provided some fresh legs in midfield late on after taking over from Cameron on 72 minutes. 3

JAMES TAVERNIER: Given the armband as he was swapped in Aarons on 72 minutes but caused a few nerves to jangle with sloppy passing. 2

FINDLAY CURTIS: Handed the final five after replacing Antman. No chance to have an impact. 1