Barry Ferguson’s Rangers Secure Huge European Win Against Fenerbahce
Barry Ferguson led Rangers in a European clash for the first time on Thursday night, facing off against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Ferguson made two changes to his starting lineup, and his team delivered a massive 3-1 victory in the first leg, setting them up well for next week’s return fixture at Ibrox.
Vaclav Cerny was the standout performer, scoring a crucial brace, while Cyriel Dessers netted his 22nd goal of the season. However, the striker was denied two more by razor-thin VAR decisions.
Here’s how Ibrox News rated each player’s performance in Turkey:
Rangers Player Ratings vs Fenerbahce
Jack Butland – 6
Made important saves when called upon but was at fault for a first-half mistake that led to Robin Propper’s substitution. Also looked suspect for Fenerbahce’s goal but redeemed himself with strong second-half stops.
James Tavernier – 6
Handled the challenge of facing a higher level of opposition well. A steady, composed performance, though not one with much attacking flair.
John Souttar – 7
Apart from receiving a booking for a strong foul, he defended solidly, making crucial blocks and showing great effort.
Robin Propper (off for Leon Balogun 29’) – 4
Suffered a head-on collision with Butland early in the game, which forced him off after a challenging start.
Jefte – 6
Provided good attacking support and was relatively solid defensively, despite one lapse in the first half where he lost track of his runner.
Ridvan Yilmaz (off for Dujon Sterling 76’) – 5
Returning to his hometown, he occasionally invited pressure but managed to hold his own despite playing out of position.
Cerny and Dessers Shine in Istanbul
Nico Raskin – 7
Got forward whenever possible and worked tirelessly in midfield. Nearly scored from a set-piece but made up for it with a stunning pass to assist Cerny.
Connor Barron – 5
Struggled at times, losing most of his duels and tackles, but was supported well by Raskin. Lack of recent game time showed in his performance.
Mohamed Diomande (off for Ianis Hagi 76’) – 8
Worked hard, won several fouls, and provided an assist. Was visibly exhausted by the time he was substituted but will be a key player for the second leg.
Vaclav Cerny (off for Tom Lawrence 88’) – 9
Scored twice and was instrumental in pressing for Dessers’ goal. A fantastic attacking display, and even when tiring late in the game, he managed to slot home his second goal.
Cyriel Dessers (off for Hamza Igamane 88’) – 9
Unlucky not to have a hat-trick, as VAR denied him two additional goals. His form under Ferguson has been outstanding, and his ability to find scoring positions is an encouraging sign.
Substitutes
Leon Balogun (on for Robin Propper 29’) – 6
Struggled in aerial battles and was marking the Fenerbahce player who scored, but coped well under difficult circumstances.
Dujon Sterling (on for Ridvan Yilmaz 76’) – N/A
Ianis Hagi (on for Mohamed Diomande 76’) – N/A
Hamza Igamane (on for Cyriel Dessers 88’) – N/A
Tom Lawrence (on for Vaclav Cerny 88’) – N/A
With a two-goal cushion heading into next week’s second leg at Ibrox, Ferguson’s Rangers are in a commanding position to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. However, they’ll need to maintain their focus and composure to see off Fenerbahce’s challenge at home.
