Istanbul was a cauldron of intensity as Rangers secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce, putting them in a strong position to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
However, Jose Mourinho was quick to urge caution, telling Rangers to “calm down” as his side is far from out of the tie. Tensions flared on the touchline, adding even more drama to an already heated encounter.
Barry Ferguson’s men stunned Mourinho on his home turf, with Cyriel Dessers opening the scoring before a Vaclav Cerny brace put the Scottish giants in control. Alexander Djiku’s first-half goal had briefly given Fenerbahce hope, but the visitors left Turkey with a crucial advantage heading into next week’s return leg in Glasgow.
Amidst the intensity at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Ferguson was spotted in a fiery exchange with members of the Fenerbahce technical staff. Images captured the interim Rangers boss approaching the opposition’s dugout, and later gesturing in their direction in what appeared to be a response to the touchline confrontation.
After the final whistle, Mourinho played down Rangers’ celebrations, offering a measured response to their triumph. “The only thing I would tell them is don’t celebrate too much, because there is a second match to play,” he said.
He added, “It’s my only advice. If they celebrate at the end of the second match, I will congratulate them. But for now, they need to stay calm—because it’s not over.”
