Harri Burton

Thu 13 March 2025 23:05, UK Updated Fri 14 March 2025 5:09, UK

Jack Butland became the hero as Barry Ferguson’s Rangers knocked Fenerbahce out of the Europa League via penalty shootout on Thursday.

Having headed into the game with a two-goal lead on 13 March, Jose Mourinho‘s side were quick out of the blocks, piling the pressure on at Ibrox in a feisty Europa League tie.

Dujon Sterling, Leon Balogun, John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande all picked up yellow cards in the first half as Sebastian Szymanski’s 45th-minute goal halved the deficit.

The 25-year-old netted once again in the second half, setting up a grandstand finish at Ibrox, with the game eventually going to extra time and penalties.

Ferguson, who could be made Rangers manager on a permanent basis, needed to prove himself after spells with Alloa Athletic and Kelt Hearts, and he certainly did that as the Gers advanced to the next round.

Dujon Sterling struggles immensely against Fenerbahce

Jack Butland – 9 – Man of the Match

Emerged as Rangers’ penalty shootout hero. That’s all that needs to be said about the goalkeeper.

James Tavernier – 6

Another resolute performance from the out-of-position right-back, making some key interceptions to stop Fenerbahce from winning the game in normal time.

Leon Balogun – 6

For a 36-year-old, who is normally used from the bench, Balogun did incredibly well to remain focused and push his team right until the end.

John Souttar – 4

His pace certainly let him down as well as missing an incredible headed chance early in the second half. Not his finest display in Rangers colours.

Dujon Sterling (Off for Yilmaz 55′) – 2

Horrible, just horrible. Picked up a stupid yellow card early in the first half, barging into a Fenerbahce star who was going absolutely nowhere. Silly.

Nico Raskin continues calm, collected streak in Rangers midfield

Jefte (Off for Hagi 85′) – 6

Maintained his attacking prowess but was wrapped up in a controversial moment for Rangers as Anderson Talisca was booked for simulation.

Nico Raskin – 7

Exemplary in midfield once again, quickly growing into one of the most important players at Ibrox. Rarely misses a tackle and is a true leader on the pitch.

Connor Barron (Off for Lawrence 95′) – 5

One of his brighter performances in recent weeks, having often been stuck on the bench. Still, he struggled to adapt to the strength in midfield brought by the Turkish side.

Mohamed Diomande (Off for Bajrami 68′) – 6

Continued probing throughout the game, attempting to find himself teammates with smart passes through but could never find the final pass at Ibrox.

Vaclav Cerny nearly repeats first-leg heroics against Fenerbahce

Vaclav Cerny – 8

Cerny was nowhere near as key for Rangers as he was in the first leg, though he had plenty of efforts at goal and worked tirelessly until dropping to the floor in exhaustion.

Cyriel Dessers (Off for Igamane 68′) – 3

Struggled to get into the game properly, losing a few battles on the ground and in the air, and needed to be replaced with the pace and energy of Igamane.

Substitutes

Ridvan Yilmaz (On for Sterling 55′) – 6

Needed replacement after Sterling’s early yellow card.

Hamza Igamane (On for Dessers 68′) – 5

Caused a decent amount of threat during a limited time on the pitch, taking a long-range effort but it was no trouble for the goalkeeper.

Nedim Bajrami (On for Diomande 68′) – 7

One of his brighter performances in recent weeks, really using all of his experience to push Rangers forward and find a winner, though he had to wait for penalties.

Ianis Hagi (On for Jefte 85′) – 4

Was booked in extra time and missed a penalty in the shootout, which was not punished by Fenerbahce, luckily.

Extra-time substitutes

Tom Lawrence (On for Barron 95′) – 6

Tucked his penalty away nicely and hyped up the crowd. A decent extra-time display to go with his spot-kick.