The electric atmosphere at Ibrox was palpable as Fenerbahçe and Rangers clashed in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16. José Mourinho’s side dominated the 120 minutes, securing a 2-0 win, but it was the Scots who ultimately emerged victorious, triumphing 3-2 in the penalty shootout.
The match got off to a frenetic start, with both teams engaging in a series of intense midfield battles. However, it was Rangers who showed more desire to push into the final third, with Cerny, Diomande, and Dessers proving to be a potent threat to the Fenerbahçe goal. The trio’s blistering pace and coordination during transitions caught the eye, and they consistently tested the Turkish side’s defense. In contrast, the Glasgow outfit’s midfield and defense effectively nullified Fenerbahçe’s attacking prowess, with the visitors struggling to create scoring opportunities due to the absence of key players Dzeko and Tadic, who began the game on the bench.
Cerny had two early chances to break the deadlock, but the Czech striker lacked the clinical finishing touch on both occasions. It wasn’t until the 36th minute that Fenerbahçe showed any real signs of life, with En-Nesyri’s wayward shot serving as a warning sign for the home side. As the half drew to a close, Mourinho’s team began to gain momentum, culminating in a stunning goal from Szymanski. The Polish midfielder’s exquisite volley, which came courtesy of a perfectly weighted Kostic cross, sent the Ibrox crowd into stunned silence on the stroke of halftime.
With the scoreline now in their favor, Fenerbahçe started the second half with renewed intensity, seeking to capitalize on their late first-half surge. Talisca twice came close to extending the lead, but his efforts sailed narrowly wide of Butland’s goal. The Turkish side’s failure to add to their tally allowed Rangers to mount a response, and they nearly drew level through Bajrami and Igamane, only for an inspired Egribayat to deny them.
As the match hung precariously in the balance, it was Fenerbahçe who struck again. Muldur’s clever run down the right flank ended with a teasing cross that Szymanski converted with ease, scoring his second goal of the evening. Spurred on by his team’s dominance, Mourinho introduced Dzeko and Tadic into the fray, aiming to settle the tie in regular time. The move nearly paid off, as En-Nesyri was presented with a gilt-edged chance, but Tavernier’s last-ditch intervention forced the game into extra time.
The additional 30 minutes saw Rangers assume control, yet Egribayat continued to excel, producing two phenomenal saves to thwart Cerny and Tavernier. As the game headed toward a thrilling conclusion, the stage was set for a penalty shootout. Ultimately, it was Rangers who held their nerve, with Butland saving from Tadic and Fred, while Yandas blasted his attempt over the bar, crushing Fenerbahçe’s European ambitions.