Rangers delivered one of their most memorable European performances, securing a dominant 3-1 victory over Turkish giants Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie. Despite facing a side that had gone 18 games unbeaten across all competitions and was managed by the legendary José Mourinho, the Scottish club, under the relatively inexperienced Barry Ferguson, put on a tactical masterclass in Istanbul. Their display combined resilience, attacking brilliance, and defensive organization, leaving the home crowd stunned.
Four key players played instrumental roles in this historic triumph: Cyriel Dessers, Vaclav Cerny, John Souttar, and Nicolas Raskin. Dessers, often a divisive figure among fans, silenced his critics with an aggressive and intelligent performance. His early goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, set the tone for Rangers’ dominance. He pressed relentlessly, linked up play effectively, and was unfortunate to have two additional goals ruled out for offside.
Cerny was electric on the wing, causing chaos for Fenerbahce’s full-backs with his pace and technical skill. He struck twice, first finishing a well-crafted team move before sealing the win with a composed finish in the 82nd minute after a brilliant assist from Raskin. Meanwhile, Souttar’s return to the heart of the defense was a game-changer. The Scottish center-back provided stability, won crucial aerial duels, and neutralized the threat of Fenerbahce’s dangerous attack, particularly keeping Edin Džeko quiet.
In midfield, Raskin was a dominant force, dictating play with composure and precision. His pressing and ball-winning ability frustrated the Turkish side and played a pivotal role in Rangers’ third goal. His ability to transition seamlessly between defense and attack helped maintain control, ensuring that Rangers never allowed their opponents to dictate the tempo.
With this commanding performance, Rangers head into the second leg at Ibrox with a significant advantage. If they replicate the same level of discipline and intensity, a place in the Europa League quarter-finals is well within reach. Their night in Istanbul was nothing short of spectacular, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with on the European stage.