Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers delivered a stellar performance as Rangers secured a stunning 3-1 victory over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in Istanbul, putting the Scottish side in a strong position to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
The 30-year-old forward capitalised on a defensive lapse early in the match, squeezing a shot over the line before Caglar Soyuncu could clear after just six minutes.
The goal marked his third in the Europa League this season and his 22nd in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Despite threats from Youssef En-Nesyri and Edin Dzeko, the hosts eventually drew level through a stunning volley from Alexander Djiku.
However, Rangers responded decisively, reclaiming the lead when Vaclav Cerny finished off a well-worked one-two with Dessers.
Dessers thought he had scored twice more in the second half, but both efforts were ruled out for offside by VAR.
Nonetheless, Cerny sealed the victory with a composed finish on the counterattack, maintaining Rangers’ impressive European form.
While the Scottish side may have entered as underdogs, their performance was far from unexpected given their strong away wins against Malmo and Nice earlier in the tournament, as well as solid home victories over FCSB and Union Saint-Gilloise.
With no domestic fixture this weekend, Barry Ferguson’s squad has a full week to prepare for the decisive second leg at Ibrox, where they will look to secure a quarter-final showdown with either Roma or Athletic Bilbao.
Mourinho, always a captivating presence, will likely command attention as he plots a comeback in Glasgow.
Fenerbahce possesses the talent to turn the tie around, with captain Dzeko a constant threat and substitute Allan Saint-Maximin coming close to scoring. En-Nesyri and Anderson Talisca also tested Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.
With Fred returning from suspension to strengthen Fenerbahce’s midfield, the second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter as both sides battle for a place in the last eight.
