Rangers and Panathinaikos played out a routine 0-0 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Cup last-32 clash at Ibrox.

Rangers undoubtedly had the better chances but were kept at bay by Panathinaikos goalkeeper Mario Galinovic and failed to convert their superior share of the possession into goals.

Panathinaikos seemed to have decided that their best method of attack was the long-range shot and pressured Rangers keeper Allan McGregor with three efforts from 25 yards within the first 15 minutes.

The Scottish side were also restricted to trying their luck from distance in the early stages but gradually settled and began to run their opponents ragged.

Nacho Novo caused particular trouble for the hosts down the right side and enjoyed a host of chances, particularly in the 29th, 32nd and 37th minutes.

But the Spaniard's first touch let him down on numerous occasions as he struggled to control the ball. This was especially evident just before the interval when a long ball from Steven Davis left him with only the keeper to beat on the right of the penalty spot.

Galinovic did just enough to put Novo off his stride however and turned the ball behind for a corner.

Rangers began the second half in much their same vein as the first and Lee McCulloch was gifted a golden opportunity to head home from 10 yards following a 50th minute corner.

But once again the final ball let the hosts down. McCulloch headed wide and Novo saw an effort thwarted shortly after when he was comfortably chased down and dispossessed by Nasief Morris after breaking through.

Barry Ferguson, unusually quiet for the majority of the match, produced the highlight of the second half with a stunning right-footed volley from five yards outside the box in the 71st minute.

But Galinovic again proved equal to the task, not only parrying Ferguson's effort but also recovering in time to bat away Novo's follow-up shot.

The longer the match remained goalless, the more Panathinaikos pushed forward, and Dame N'Doye was gifted two golden opportunities to snatch an unlikely lead when McGregor failed to collect straightforward balls in the area.

Rangers recovered their composure and even had one final chance to take the lead when substitute Chris Burke's cross from the right wing almost dipped into the top left-hand corner of the goal.

But, in keeping with the rest of the match, the final ball continued to elude the hosts, leaving them with it all to do on the return leg in Greece next week.

Pippa Davis / Eurosport