RANGERS brought Fenerbahce’s 18-match unbeaten run to a shuddering halt with a 3-1 win in the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
But for two tight offside decisions against Cyriel Dessers it could have been MORE.
It was a statement win from the Gers[/caption]
Cyriel Dessers drilled Rangers ahead[/caption]
Vaclav Cerny struck a double[/caption]
Barry Ferguson’s side put their domestic dreariness behind them and starred on the European stage as they have before.
And they started with intent in Istanbul with an early opener and then pulling off a terrific win that sets up the return leg at Ibrox nicely.
Dessers tucked in the opener – just – after seven minutes as goal-line technology came to Gers’ aid.
Alexander Djiku levelled for the home side after half an hour but Vaclav Cerny gave interim boss Ferguson a different half-time team-talk to his previous two.
Gers led at the interval for the first time in his tenure and stepped it up again after the interval though Dessers was denied twice before Cerny raced clear and tucked the third away nine minutes from time.
Here’s how each of the Gers heroes rated in the brilliant victory.
Jack Butland – 7
Indecision led to him taking out Robin Propper during a collision and he could’ve got a hand on equaliser. Superb save in injury-time could be key.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 7
Back on home soil and played out of position as a right wing-back. Defended well and kept things sensible before being replaced by Dujon Sterling.
James Tavernier – 8
Captain stepped inside from his usual right-back spot and used his experience to keep things calm. Defended well and showed common sense on the ball.
John Souttar – 8
Incredible block before break stopped a goal and he was a rock for Gers during the second half as Fenerbahce threw balls into box. Huge display. Booked.
Robin Propper – 4
Started on the left of the three central defenders and looked comfy until pole-axed by Butland after mix-up. Relief to see him able to walk off pitch.
Jefte – 8
Caught out in an early Fenerbahce attack but switched on and played his part in a big team performance. Brazilian should have hit target on a first-half break 8
Nico Raskin – 9
Belgian midfielder’s approach set the tone for Gers. Produced an immense all-action display capped by a wonderful pass for Vaclav Cerny’s crucial third goal.
Connor Barron – 8
Restored to the midfield to provide graft in the new-look system and did just that. Kept things simple on the ball and dovetailed well with Raskin.
Mohamed Diomande – 8
Showed bags of energy in a quick start and continued to be a lively presence in the middle. Was screaming for a pass from Cyriel Dessers on a wasted break.
Vaclav Cerny – 9
Aggressive pressing led to the Rangers opener as he relished a more central role and he showed great composure to claim a clinical double and secure the win.
Cyriel Dessers – 8
Sharp as a tack to grab his 22nd goal of the season before VAR robbed him of another two. Produced a brilliant assist for Cerny’s first in a top striking display.
SUBSTITUTES
LEON BALOGUN (7) on after Propper’s head knock and was solid for Gers. IANIS HAGI (5) replaced the tiring Diomande for the last 15 minutes. DUJON STERLING (5) provided a physical presence on right in crucial finale. TOM LAWRENCE (3) on late. HAMZA IGAMANE (3) asked to be a nuisance.
Rangers’ interim coaching team led the club to a brilliant win[/caption]
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