The Europa League again proved Rangers’ sanctuary during a dismal season as they shocked Fenerbahce in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Istanbul.
Barry Ferguson’s European coaching debut was against Jose Mourinho’s title-chasing side who were unbeaten in 18, and the visitors took a shock lead early on.
The ball dropped to Cyriel Dessers after some terrible defending allowing the striker to round goalkeeper Irfan Can Egribayat and squeezed the ball home.
Alexander Djiku levelled in style just minutes after coming off the bench but Vaclav Cerny fired in from a brilliant Dessers ball before the break to put the visitors back in front.
Cyriel Dessers had two goals ruled out for offside but, after Fenerbahce failed to take advantage of Rangers’ tiring legs, Cerny put the game out of reach after a brilliant counter-attack.
The Scottish Premiership side take an unlikely lead back to Ibrox for next week’s second leg as they look to keep their European campaign alive with their domestic hopes already over.
More to follow.
