UEFA Champions League Qualifier: Glasgow Rangers vs Panathinaikos – Where to Listen and Who's Commentating on July 22, 2025

The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League second qualifying round clash between Glasgow Rangers and Panathinaikos kicks off on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at 19:45 UK time. Fans across the United Kingdom can follow live coverage primarily via BBC radio and Premier Sports, with multiple channels providing expert commentary and analysis. The match will take place at the iconic Ibrox Stadium, home of Rangers in Glasgow, marking the first competitive outing of the season for both clubs in Europe's elite competition.

For those tuning in via radio, the BBC Radio 5 Live will provide succinct live reportage from reporter Gavin Wallace. Meanwhile, more in-depth commentary and studio analysis are available on several BBC platforms, including BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Scotland Extra, and the BBC Sounds App. These channels share a top-tier commentary team featuring main commentator Liam McLeod, complemented by co-commentators Peter Løvenkrands and Steven Thompson, with pitchside insight from reporter Andy Burke. This team blends deep understanding of Scottish football and Champions League pedigree to offer listeners a richly detailed broadcast experience.

Adding to the audio coverage, BBC Sport Online will also carry the live audio feed, perfect for fans who prefer to follow the match through digital platforms. This extensive BBC coverage reflects the broadcaster’s commitment to accessible, comprehensive football broadcasting across multiple channels.

On the subscription sports front, Premier Sports 1 HD will air the game with presenter Emma Dodds guiding viewers through the action. The commentary booth will feature main commentator Rory Hamilton, alongside expert pundits Billy Dodds and Neil McCann, both former Rangers players with rich Premier League and European experience. Their analysis promises to provide tactical insights and behind-the-scenes knowledge beneficial to both casual fans and football tacticians alike. Premier Sports Player UK will also stream the game, allowing subscribers to watch online.

For die-hard Rangers fans looking for the most club-dedicated coverage, Rangers TV offers the match commentary live through main commentator Tom Miller and co-commentator Kevin Thomson, another ex-Rangers midfielder familiar with the club’s ethos and playing style—adding a fan-centric perspective.

Additional match updates and reporting are available on talkSPORT, where reporter Paul Mitchell will provide live insights and updates, enriching the coverage for fans across different platforms.

The Commentators and Their Backgrounds

Liam McLeod, the main commentator across multiple BBC platforms, is known for his clear and engaging narration during live matches, having built a reputation for bringing Scottish football to life on radio. His co-commentators, Peter Løvenkrands and Steven Thompson, are former professional footballers who both had notable careers at Rangers. Løvenkrands is a Danish international who featured prominently for Rangers in the late 2000s, while Thompson, a prolific striker, contributed significantly to Scottish football and Rangers during his playing days. Their expert tactical knowledge adds depth to the commentary, helping listeners understand strategic nuances of the match.

On Premier Sports, Emma Dodds is a skilled presenter with extensive experience covering football and other sports, ensuring smooth and engaging transitions during the broadcast. Commentator Rory Hamilton pairs well with pundits Billy Dodds and Neil McCann. Dodds, a former striker for Rangers, is widely respected for his sharp footballing intellect, while McCann, a former winger, also boasts in-depth knowledge of the game and the club, making their analysis particularly insightful.

Meanwhile, Tom Miller and Kevin Thomson on Rangers TV bring a passion and fan-focused perspective, having both represented Rangers, which helps provide insider views and emotional connection with the supporters.

Match Context and Key Information

This encounter is pivotal as both teams aim to advance into the UEFA Champions League group stages. Rangers are returning to Champions League qualifiers after featuring last in the competition’s group phase during the 2022–23 campaign. Panathinaikos, meanwhile, last reached the group stage in the 2010–11 season and will look to upset the hosts at Ibrox.

The teams have met four times previously in European competition, with Panathinaikos historically holding an undefeated record against Rangers, although three matches have ended in draws. Close tactical battles with low goal tallies characterise their meetings, which adds intrigue to this qualifier. Rangers have been building momentum under the management of Russell Martin, who named his squad for this season’s European push, emphasising a mix of youthful energy and experience.

Where to Follow and Additional Resources

To make the most of the day’s football action:

• BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Scotland Extra, and BBC Sounds provide comprehensive live audio coverage.
• Premier Sports 1 HD offers live video coverage with high-definition broadcast and expert punditry.
• Rangers TV streams exclusive club coverage for fans with dedicated insights.
• talkSPORT delivers additional commentary and live match updates.

For more details on team news and live updates, the official Rangers website is the first port of call. Keep up with match statistics and live scores on sports platforms like Sofascore and comprehensive fixtures on ESPN Soccer.

This UEFA Champions League qualifier promises a thrilling evening of football, filled with expert commentary, strategic analysis, and the electric atmosphere of Ibrox as Rangers seek to assert their European credentials against their Greek rivals Panathinaikos.