Rangers

Calum Macdonald
BBC Scotland in Istanbul

Cyriel Dessers insists "it's about time" Rangers delivered a big performance at Ibrox as they look to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.

Dessers scored the opener and was a standout in Istanbul as Barry Ferguson's side beat Fenerbahce 3-1 in the first leg of their last-16 clash, but admits the tie is still up for grabs in Govan next Thursday.

"Everybody saw that Fenerbahce is a very good team," the striker said.

"Individually they have some top quality players and we will need to be at our best [at Ibrox].

"We will need the fans. We'll need all of Ibrox, everybody. But I know we're ready for it and hopefully we can finish the job."

Rangers have lost their last three domestic home games to Queen's Park, St Mirren and Motherwell and the Nigeria international admits European football suits them better.

"We've been a team of ups and downs," Dessers added.

"Especially in the league but I think in Europe we showed a very consistent form, and sometimes it's hard to explain, but I think the football in Europe suits us a little bit more at this moment.

"We have to take confidence from this as well and try to find the consistency to try to start doing this in the league as well."

Image source, SNS

Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield on Sportsound: "Everybody looks down on Scottish football and clubs and players that play in Scotland but it's proven time and time again that this club rises to the occasion in Europe.

"You just come to expect it on a Thursday night... I said they just have to stay in the tie, but they've done more than that. They are in the driving seat now.

"I do [fancy Rangers to get the job done].

"Tactics were absolutely spot on, individually and collectively. Outfought them and outthought them.

"For the rest of Barry Ferguson's life he can see he has gone toe-to-toe with one of the best."

Former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst on TNT Sports: "Perfect, perfect performance. Really proud of the team, really proud of Barry and his staff."

Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton on TNT Sports: "They always had that threat. Barry Ferguson surprised a lot of people with that formation but it worked an absolute treat."

Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist on TNT Sports: "Wee Barry should be and he will be extremely proud of those boys."

BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English: "When this Rangers team are asked to break down a defence, they struggle. When it's a toe-to-toe encounter and there's space and a freedom to counter, they're a completely different animal."

Image source, SNS

Ridvan Yilmaz urges Rangers to "stay humble" following their superb Europa League win over Fenerbahce in his birth city of Istanbul on Thursday night.

The Turkey international was born in the city and came through the ranks at Besiktas before breaking into the first team and subsequently moving to Ibrox in 2022.

Despite nearly three years at the club, the 3-1 win against Jose Mourinho's side was the first time the 23-year-old's mum had seen him play live for the Ibrox club, though he admitted it "wasn't my best game".

"I'm proud of my team-mates," Yilmaz told club media.

"I have lot of good memories in this place and I'm so happy to add one more.

"It's a fantastic win, but we need to be humble. We have a second game, after a good result in the away game

"The manager is proud of us as well. He knows everything about the club.

"We are so happy to win but we have one more game and I hope we go through."

Yilmaz was delighted to be supported by his family on his trip back to Istanbul but reiterated his assertion ahead of the return leg in Glasgow next week.

"It wasn't the best game for me, but the most important thing was to win," he added.

"I give my everything for my team-mates and also my family was here. So I'm sure they are also happy about also the result.

"It was the first time my mum has watched me live playing for Rangers so I am so happy for her as well.

"We should be humble, we got a good result in the away game and I hope we get it at Ibrox as well."

We asked you for your views following Rangers' superb win away to Fenerbache.

Here's what some of you said:

Bob: Fantastic result. No one saw it coming and no one expected it. That's maybe the key. Away from home, the team have no pressure from the crowd, especially one that's baying for even the very smallest mistakes. The treatment of Cyriel Dessers the prime example. Could it be that the crowd and atmosphere at Ibrox is the problem? Need to manage expectations.

Sally: Dessers was superb, Jack Butland made some stupid mistakes, but good performance all round. Jose Mourhino needs to be respected and he is right, it is not over. Rangers need to defend well and attack at every opportunity at Ibrox.

Dave: Rangers in Europe are a different beast. It's like the pressure of the domestic season is lifted and they show what they are capable of. The return on John Souttar makes the defence more solid and when paired with Leon Balogun, we look more defensively secure.

Robert: When you're a Rangers player, you have to give the club, fans and the manager/coach that performance every time you pull on that Rangers jersey. Well done, for the moment, but remember these words.

Brydo: It's a disgrace this Rangers team are so far behind in Scotland. In Europe, it's the complete opposite. Their tactics and careful deployment of the team are spot-on against their European adversaries but, at home, they abandon these beliefs. Their only decent displays, win or lose, are against Celtic, where they revert to the more careful approach.

John: When they are given space to play, they play. Pressed too much in Scotland leaves them vulnerable. Jose is right, it's only half done. After his comment about wanting to play in Scotland, I think if we put his side out he will throw his hat into the ring for the Rangers job. We could do a lot worse than choosing him.

Ian: This is the team we longed for. Ferguson has to be given credit for this. He took a gamble and it paid off. Hopefully he can turn the team around.

Alan: Rangers are an enigma. If Mourinho was interested in managing them they shouldn't think twice. If all goes with the potential purchase of the club, happier days will result. We have all suffered long enough.

Sandy: Unexpected, but thoroughly deserved. How can they be so good in Europe but so unbelievably inconsistent at home, no chance of winning it but a unbelievable result 👏

Ross: This is typical of this Rangers side. They can perform when they are not favourites. Defending set pieces and breaking down defensive teams is still a problem. It's a great result but only papers over the cracks.

Allan: Rangers provided their supporters a great result, which could have been even bigger, but this is only part one. Fenerbache were obviously not at their best. We need to see this kind of result every week in the league.

Calum Macdonald
BBC Scotland in Istanbul

Image source, Getty Images

Vaclav Cerny will "demand" the level of performance Rangers put in against Fenerbache in the Europa League in every match.

The winger scored a double as Rangers' interim manager, Barry Ferguson, outwitted Jose Mourinho to bring a two-goal advantage into next Thursday's return leg at Ibrox.

"You want to be there at the top of your performances every three days," Cerny said post-match. "And that's what I demand from myself. That's what we should demand from each other, from every single one of us.

"And obviously, let's keep pushing in Europe."

While Cerny's goals were crucial to Rangers' wonderful win in Turkey, so too was Ferguson's change of system.

"We had a plan, and we just did everything we said before the game," Cerny added. "We stuck to the plan. We knew we could be dangerous in those situations where we got the space, and we were, we were also quite effective.

"We can also say we did it right today.

"Every manager, every coaching staff, has their own ideas, that's been the case here as well. The main thing to adapt to it as fast as possible and do as we talk."

Image source, Getty Images

• Rangers have won consecutive Europa League games for the first time since February 2021, courtesy of two wins against Royal Antwerp in the last 32.

• Rangers secured their third away win in Europe this season, their joint-most in a single campaign in all competitions (excl. qualifiers) along with 2020-21.

• Three of Cyriel Dessers' four Europa League goals for Rangers have come in his last six appearances in the competition, while he has been involved in 13 goals in his last 12 appearances in all competitions (10 goals, three assists).

• Only James Tavernier in 2021-22 (seven) has scored more goals in a single season in Europe for Rangers than Vaclav Cerny in 2024-25 (six).

• This was James Tavernier's 60th game in major European competition for Rangers, the joint-third most of any Rangers player, level with current manager Barry Ferguson and behind only Allan McGregor (78) and John Greig (62).

• Fenerbahce shipped three goals in a European knockout game (excl. play-offs) on home soil for the first time since February 2007 against AZ (3-3).

• Alexander Djiku's goal on 29 minutes 38 seconds for Fenerbahce was the earliest by a substitute in the Europa League since 14 February 2013 (Rodrigo Palacio for Internazionale v CFR Cluj – 19m 41s) and the third earliest by a sub in the history of the competition.

Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson says he "had my way" after his coaching staff had doubts about his change of shape to a back three before Thursday's 3-1 first-leg win away to Fenerbahce in the Europa League last 16. (Daily Record), external

The roots of Rangers' win over Fenerbahce in Turkey were formed in a brutal, high tempo, high energy training session on Tuesday, the kind of which had not been seen under former manager Philippe Clement. (Daily Record), external

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is favourite with bookmakers to become permanent Ibrox boss this summer, taking over from former Southampton boss and Rangers defender Russell Martin, with Fenerbahce's Jose Mourinho in third and current interim head coach Barry Ferguson also in the frame. (The Scotsman), external

Former Rangers captain Lee Wallace's son, Billy, has signed a contract to join the club's youth academy. (Daily Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Did you take in Rangers' 3-1 Europa League win away to Fenerbahce?

Have your say on the match, external

Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho: "We were very bad everywhere. I don't think it's fair to say we were bad defensively because we were very bad everywhere.

"Maybe you laugh but for me it was a good result because of the way we performed, the result could have been bigger than this one. If someone wants to ask me if it's over, no, I don't think it's over."

Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson: "I thought it was a really good performance. They gave me everything that I asked for. They took every single thing that me and my coaching staff went over on the training ground.

"Overall, it's a brilliant result but there's no way that I'm getting carried away. This is only half-time in the tie."

Image source, PA Media

Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland

Some tinkering to Rangers' system had been long overdue, with the side having not kept a clean sheet in five weeks and falling two behind in their previous two outings.

The switch to three at the back offered some advantages defensively but the formation's principle aim was to carry a threat on the counter, as exemplified by the Vaclav Cerny double.

While Rangers may have belied their status as underdogs, the result and display are not entirely surprising, given their wins in Malmo and Nice earlier in the competition and solid home victories against FCSB and Union Saint-Gilloise.

There's still work to be done to reach the Europa League last eight but, with no domestic fixture this weekend, Barry Ferguson and his players have a week to prepare for the second leg and the chance to set up a quarter-final meeting with Roma or Athletic Bilbao.

Image source, PA Media

Jose Mourinho was, as ever, good value in the run-up to this game and will likely hold a captive audience when his Fenerbahce side travel to Glasgow next week.

He certainly has the nous - and the players - to turn the tie around at Ibrox.

Captain Eden Dzeko looked particularly dangerous, while second-half sub Allan Saint-Maximin's dangerous delivery was nodded just wide by En-Nesyri, who was later foiled by Jack Butland. Anderson Talisca also tested the keeper.

And with Fred free from suspension to bolster Mourinho's options next week, the decider is all set up for a fascinating contest.

Vaclav Cerny may have scored twice but Cyriel Dessers just edged his Rangers' team-mate in terms of overall performance.

The striker scored the opener, set up the second and was twice denied by the offside flag in the second half before being subbed off.

Image source, PA Media

Aissatou Bah
BBC Sport Scotland

Having fallen 2-0 down in both games under Barry Ferguson so far, Rangers cannot afford another slow start in tonight's testing Europa League last 16 first leg at Fenerbahce.

Former defender Maurice Ross hopes Ferguson takes a leaf out of legendary former boss Walter Smith's book and adopts a pragmatic set-up against Jose Mourinho's side.

"I would like to think there will be a pragmatic approach. It's a big pitch. It's all about staying in the tie in European football," said Ross on the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

"And I think that a change of formation may work or, if not a change of formation, a change of principles.

"It's okay maybe playing a 4-3-3 but out of possession I think that needs to be more like a 4-5-1 and double up, certainly double up in the wide areas.

"It's about recognising are Fenerbahce set up to press? If they are, play over them. And I've never seen Water Smith's teams playing it through the back and playing expansive, lovely football. They stayed in the game and were hard to beat.

"And they played every 6ft 2in guy in the building. They had Stevie Whittaker in the middle of the park because he's six 6ft 2in and he can run. He's mobile. So I would really hope Barry considers having legs in the middle of the park."

We asked you to tell us the one thing nobody is talking about at Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Billy: The only constant this season has been the inconsistencies. Great performances followed by absolute dirge. The change of manager has all the potential to be one of the few positives. But it's the most important decision for a long, long time. Along with, hopefully, new ownership, there is light on the horizon.

Matt: We do have good young talent coming through such as Findlay Curtis and Bailey Rice. There are others such as Archie Stevens and Zander Hutton. Between now and the end of the season I believe these players will get more opportunities to impress.

Robert: Why appoint such a poor manager? Even as interim. Poor decision by the board.

John: Our defence, especially Jack Butland, are simply not fit for purpose. The only thing stopping us being further out of contention in the league is our midfield, as shown by our appalling goal difference compared to Celtic's. Basically, we're leaking from both ends.

Derrick: Barry Ferguson, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds were working as radio pundits because they are failed managers. Why on earth have they been asked to take over a massive club like Rangers is beyond belief. I want them to be successful, however early signs are not good. I fear a heavy defeat against Fenerbache.

Image source, SNS

Ianis Hagi has swerved questions about his Rangers future as he looks forward to a "special" night against Fenerbahce on his return to Istanbul.

The Romania forward was born in the Turkish capital when his father Gheorghe Hagi was enjoying a trophy-laden ended to his playing career with Galatasaray before managing the club.

Hagi, 26, said: "It's definitely special to come back here and play in the town where I was born.

"We have so many good memories of here as a family so it's special and I'm going to enjoy it on Thursday night.

"We talk before and after every game so he [Gheorghe] knows how important European nights are and how tough it is to get a result away from home.

"We've talked about the game. He obviously knows the Turkish leagues and Turkish teams really well so I'll definitely get some advice from him.

"But it's just special for me to play in a place like Istanbul, it means so much to my family and I. It gives me extra motivation to play well on Thursday night."

Having joined Rangers five years ago from Belgian side Genk, Hagi is out of contact this summer.

"I don't think it's the right moment to talk about my future," he said.

"My full focus right now is on Rangers and the game on Thursday. I've waited for a year to get back on the European stage so I'm too excited for the game to think about the future.

"It doesn't make sense because football changes really quickly. The club and my agents have to talk about that.

"For me right now - and it's an honest answer - I'm not really thinking about the future. It's just about what I can do in this game, then it's the next game and so on."

Image source, Getty Images

• This will be the third European meeting between Fenerbahce and Rangers, having met in qualifying for the 2001-02 Champions League, with the Turkish side progressing after a 2-1 home win (0-0 at Ibrox).

• Fenerbahce remain unbeaten against Scottish opposition in Europe (including qualifiers – P4 W1 D3), facing Rangers in Champions League qualifying in 2001-02 (W1 D1) and Celtic in the Europa League group stages in 2015-16 (D2).

• Rangers have progressed from just two of their previous 11 last-16 ties in major European competition, eliminating Werder Bremen from the Uefa Cup in 2007-08 and Red Star Belgrade from the Europa League on their way to reaching the final in 2021-22.

• Fenerbahce possess the highest shot conversion rate of any remaining side in the Europa League this season (16.5%), netting 14 of their 85 attempts on goal. They also have the joint highest, along with AZ and Ajax, xG per shot value in the competition this season of 0.15 (12.37xG).

• Fifteen of Rangers' 16 Europa League goals this season have come from open play, the joint highest total in the competition this term. Meanwhile, only AZ (16.4), Galatasaray (15.3), Real Sociedad (13.7) and Ajax (13.3) have created more xG from open play than Rangers (13.1).

Steven Gerrard would want a return to managing Rangers after the 44-year-old Englishman left Al-Ettifaq in January, according to former Liverpool teammate Stephane Henchoz. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.