Connor Barron awful, Vaclav Cerny immense – Rangers ratings in Fenerbahce win
Barry Ferguson’s side secured an incredible first-leg win as Rangers beat Fenerbahce 3-1 in the Europa League on Thursday.
Cyriel Dessers, who was the subject of VAR drama for Rangers, could have sealed a hat-trick on 6 March, having opened the scoring after pouncing on a mistake after just seven minutes in Turkey.
Alexander Djiku had got the Turkish Super Lig giants back in the game after half an hour, but Vaclav Cerny had other ideas as the counter-attack worked wonders for the Czechia international.
He was released once again in the second half, this time by Nico Raskin, before firing under Irfan Egribayat, showing exactly why Rangers are linked with a permanent deal for Cerny.
Ferguson, who has come under pressure at Ibrox already, will be thrilled with his side’s performance before returning to Scotland for the second leg.
Jack Butland hits back at recent Rangers criticsm
Jack Butland – 8
Nothing the goalkeeper could do about En-Nesyri’s acrobatic strike. Made several key saves throughout the game, the most important coming in added time as Fenerbahce pushed for a goal back.
James Tavernier – 7
A fine display from the Rangers captain, adapting well to playing in a back-three rather than his usual right-back spot. Will need similar for the return leg at Ibrox.
John Souttar – 5
Struggled to deal with the strength of both Fenerbahce’s attackers, eventually picking up a caution for a challenge on Edin Dzeko.
Robin Propper (Off for Leon Balogun 28′) – N/A
Removed just before Fenerbahce’s equaliser, making it too difficult to judge his performance. Impossible to know if Rangers would have kept the ball out had Propper still been on the pitch.
| Fenerbahce | Rangers |
| 64% possession | 36% possession |
| 23 shots | 8 shots |
| 0 big chances | 3 big chances |
| 11 corners | 3 corners |
Ridvan Yilmaz – 5
Not his best performance in recent weeks, even with the comfort of three centre-backs behind him. Was unable to attack and was penned into the right-back spot.
Nico Raskin -7
A very composed performance from the Belgian in the middle of the park, crunching into tackles and finding key passes, especially for Cerny to seal the win.
Connor Barron struggles on big European night
Connor Barron – 2
Totally outshone by his midfield teammate, and having lost all nine of his duels [FotMob] and committing two fouls, he really struggled to deal with the Turkish giants on Thursday night.
Vaclav Cerny – 9 – Man of the Match
An all-important brace for the Czechia international, with Rangers fans crying out for Cerny to be signed permanently. He showed exactly why the Gers need him next season.
Mohammed Diomande – 7
Such a mature performance from the midfielder, who was a constant threat in the final third, getting his well-deserved assist, and doing the dirty work in defence when called upon. A complete unit.
Jefte – 6
A decent display but nothing special from the young Brazilian.
Cyriel Dessers cruelly denied twice by VAR
Cyriel Dessers – 8
Often criticised by Rangers fans, Dessers got an important goal to set the tone before setting teammate Cerny up for the Gers’ second on the night. Incredibly unlucky to be denied twice more by VAR.
Substitutes
Leon Balogun (On for Propper 29′) – 6
Slotted easily into the centre of defence. A much-needed veteran at the back to complete the 90 minutes positively.
Ianis Hagi (On for Diomande 76′) – N/A
Dujon Sterling (On for Yilmaz 76′) – 6
Helped see the game through with 15 minutes remaining, slotting easily into defence.
Hamza Igamane (On for Dessers 88′) – N/A
Tom Lawrence (On for Cerny 88′) – N/A