Rangers secured their place in the Europa League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce at Ibrox. Despite carrying a two-goal advantage from the first leg in Istanbul, the Scottish side endured a tense and eventful night before sealing their progress.
The match ended in celebration for Rangers, whose players jumped in jubilation in front of their home fans, while Fenerbahce’s disappointment was evident as their players sought to come to terms with the defeat. The game had swung back and forth, but over the course of both legs, Rangers had done enough to earn their shot at facing Athletic Bilbao in the next round.
Fenerbahce had managed to level the aggregate score and looked poised to complete the comeback, particularly after introducing experienced players like Dusan Tadic and Fred. However, despite sustained pressure in the final 50 minutes, they were unable to break down the resilient Rangers defense. In the penalty shootout, both Tadic and Fred saw their efforts saved by Jack Butland, while Mert Hakan Yandas missed the decisive kick, sparking celebrations in the stands. An earlier miss from Ianis Hagi was ultimately inconsequential.
Rangers displayed immense determination and energy throughout the match, even as they struggled at times to maintain control. They had the better of the early exchanges, with Vaclav Cerny standing out as a relentless attacking threat. His direct approach forced goalkeeper Irfan Egribayat into action multiple times, but Rangers were unable to capitalize fully on their chances.
Fenerbahce found a way back into the tie just before halftime when Sebastian Szymanski produced a superb finish to reduce the deficit. The visitors then built on that momentum after the break, with Szymanski once again at the heart of their attacking play. His second goal, arriving after he connected with a low cross from Mert Müldür, sent a wave of nervous energy through Ibrox as Fenerbahce drew level on aggregate.
Despite being on the back foot for extended periods, Rangers did not crumble. Defensively, they were tested repeatedly, particularly in the closing stages of extra time when Nico Raskin’s challenge on Yandas led to fervent appeals for a penalty. Fenerbahce’s frustration grew as they saw multiple claims for spot-kicks turned down, including a contentious handball shout against Ridvan Yilmaz. Their coach expressed his discontent over the officiating, believing his side deserved at least one penalty decision in their favor.
The closing stages of extra time saw chances at both ends. James Tavernier made a crucial defensive intervention before testing Egribayat with a well-struck free-kick. As the match headed toward penalties, Rangers regrouped and displayed impressive composure when it mattered most.
Butland emerged as the hero of the night, making vital saves to deny Fenerbahce’s experienced takers. His one-handed stop from Fred’s attempt was particularly outstanding and proved to be a defining moment. Reflecting on his goalkeeper’s performance, the Rangers manager expressed his delight, noting that Butland had faced criticism at times but had demonstrated his true quality on the big occasion.
The night was a chaotic affair, featuring a total of 11 yellow cards before additional disciplinary action was taken in extra time. Despite the intense and often scrappy nature of the contest, Rangers ultimately found a way to prevail. The manner of their victory may not have been ideal, but their resilience and ability to handle the pressure of penalties ensured they marched on in the competition.
