Rangers Make Strong Start in Europa League Clash Against Fenerbahce
Barry Ferguson’s Rangers got off to an ideal start in their Europa League round of 16 tie against Fenerbahce on Thursday evening.
Ferguson, who took over from Philippe Clement last month, saw his side take an early lead in the sixth minute thanks to Cyriel Dessers. However, after Fenerbahce equalized in the 30th minute, Dessers was influential once again, providing the assist for Vaclav Cerny to restore Rangers’ advantage.
Controversy Surrounds Opening Goal
The first goal left Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd bewildered after a chaotic sequence involving goal-line technology.
Dessers found the net after maneuvering past the goalkeeper, but the situation turned confusing when Caglar Soyuncu appeared to clear the ball off the line. The referee, after a delayed reaction, checked his watch and confirmed the ball had crossed, awarding the goal to Rangers.
Boyd, reacting live on Sky Sports (6 March, 19:51 pm), expressed his confusion:
“That looked terrific, could it have been over? It’s a goal for Rangers? It’s a goal. The referee is checking his watch, but I think it’s a goal to Rangers and if it is, it’s Cyriel Dessers. It is over the line, it’s 1-0 to Rangers, that’s perfect timing.”
Ferguson Must Keep Rangers Focused
With the lead regained, Ferguson’s priority is to ensure his team maintains their composure and prevents Jose Mourinho’s side from finding another equalizer.
If Rangers can secure a positive result in Turkey, they will have confidence heading into the return leg at Ibrox next week. Given their struggles this season—sitting 16 points behind Celtic and already out of both domestic cups—the Europa League represents their last realistic chance of success.
A deep run, or even winning the tournament, could strengthen Ferguson’s case for being appointed permanently. However, the immediate focus must be on seeing out the second half and preparing for the return leg—a challenge given Rangers’ recent poor home form, with defeats to Queen’s Park, St Mirren, and Motherwell.
Ferguson will hope his side can carry this momentum forward and that the passionate Ibrox crowd can help push them into the quarter-finals.
