Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (3-3 agg) (3-2 pens): Rangers advance on penalties despite impressive comeback by visitors
Despite suffering a 2-0 defeat at Ibrox to Turkish side Fenerbahce, marking their first loss to them, Rangers progressed to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals by triumphing in the penalty shootout.
Having returned to Ibrox with a two-goal lead from their first-leg victory in Istanbul, Rangers had already accomplished much of the necessary work in this matchup.
However, they were determined not to leave anything to chance, initiating the match with an aggressive approach. They created a promising opportunity when Nicolas Raskin’s cut-back found the unmarked Vaclav Cerny, who unfortunately could not adjust his feet in time to direct a shot on goal.
Midway through the first half, Rangers faced a moment of concern when Talisca fell just inside the box following a challenge from Jefte. Although there seemed to be contact, referee Espen Eskas issued a yellow card to the Fenerbahce player for simulation.
Cerny continued to be a persistent threat to the Turkish team, managing to create space on the edge of the penalty area and unleashing a better shot that struck the side netting.
While Fenerbahce had struggled to make an impact during the first half, they found a crucial opportunity just before the break. Filip Kostic surged down the left flank, and his deflected cross reached the unmarked Sebastian Szymanski, who executed a stunning volley over a helpless Jack Butland, reducing Rangers’ lead and setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The flow of the match indicated that the second half would be challenging for Rangers, who found themselves largely defending near their own penalty area. However, Fenerbahce's only significant attempt on goal before the hour mark came from a misdirected strike by Talisca.
After successfully navigating this difficult period, the Scottish team began to regain control of the match. They nearly restored their two-goal lead when a rapid counterattack culminated in Hamza Igamane forcing Irfan Can Egribayat to make a crucial save, deflecting the shot around the post.
This save proved vital just moments later when the Turkish team equalized in the tie. Szymanski found the net at the near post after Mert Muldur delivered a precise cutback.
As the match progressed, both teams exchanged late opportunities to secure a decisive goal, but neither succeeded, leading to extra time.
Rangers found their best chances when the ball reached Cerny, who forced an impressive one-handed save from Egribayat in the 100th minute with a curling left-footed shot that required tipping over the bar.
During extra time, Rangers were more active, yet James Tavernier’s free-kick was the closest they came to scoring, with another remarkable save from Egribayat ensuring the match proceeded to penalties.
The winner of the penalty shootout would face Athletic Club in the next round, and when Dusan Tadic missed the first penalty, the atmosphere at Ibrox was electric.
This moment set the tone for the shootout, as Jack Butland saved another attempt, and Hakan Yandas's miss became pivotal, ultimately securing Rangers’ place in Bilbao for the quarter-finals.
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