Rangers Triumph Over Fenerbahçe in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach Europa League Quarter-Finals
Rangers FC secured their place in the Europa League quarter-finals after a nail-biting 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahçe SK, following a 2-0 loss in regular time at Ibrox Stadium. The Scottish side, holding a 3-1 aggregate lead from the first leg, saw their advantage erased by a determined Fenerbahçe, but goalkeeper Jack Butland emerged as the hero, saving crucial spot-kicks to send the Ibrox faithful into delirium.
First Half: Fenerbahçe Strike Early, Rangers Hold Firm
Fenerbahçe, under the guidance of José Mourinho, came out with intent, knowing they needed at least two goals to level the tie. Their pressure paid off just before halftime when Sebastian Szymański volleyed home a stunning effort from the edge of the box, reducing the aggregate deficit to 3-2. The goal came after a sustained period of possession, with the visitors exploiting Rangers’ vulnerability on the right flank, where Mert Müldür’s overlapping run created the space for the strike.
Rangers, managed by interim boss Barry Ferguson, struggled to find their rhythm, with star winger Václav Černý, who scored twice in the first leg, largely contained by Fenerbahçe’s returning midfielder Fred. Despite the setback, Rangers’ defense, led by captain James Tavernier and John Souttar, held firm to prevent further damage before the break.
Second Half: Fenerbahçe Level the Tie, Rangers Dig Deep
The second half saw Fenerbahçe intensify their efforts, with former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin, introduced as a substitute, causing havoc on the left. In the 73rd minute, Szymański struck again, this time slotting home from close range after a pinpoint cross from Müldür, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. The Ibrox crowd, renowned for its ferocity, fell silent momentarily, but their support soon roared back to life, urging their team to hold on.
Rangers responded with a tactical shift, bringing on fresh legs in the form of Hamza Igamane and Nedim Bajrami to bolster their attack. Despite a late chance for Cyriel Dessers, whose header was brilliantly saved by Dominik Livaković, the match remained deadlocked, and extra time loomed.
Extra Time: Tension Mounts, No Breakthrough
Extra time was a test of endurance, with both teams visibly fatigued but unwilling to concede ground. Fenerbahçe came closest to snatching the lead when Youssef En-Nesyri’s header rattled the crossbar, while Rangers’ best opportunity fell to Černý, whose curling effort was tipped wide by Livaković. The match remained goalless through the additional 30 minutes, setting the stage for a penalty shootout to decide the tie.
Penalty Shootout: Butland the Hero, Rangers Advance
In the shootout, Rangers’ composure shone through, with Tavernier stepping up first to calmly convert, giving his side a 1-0 lead. Fenerbahçe’s Dušan Tadić saw his effort brilliantly saved by Butland, diving low to his left, sending the Ibrox crowd into a frenzy. Rangers’ subsequent takers, Ridvan Yilmaz and Tom Lawrence, both scored, while Fenerbahçe’s En-Nesyri and Szymański converted theirs, keeping the pressure on.
The decisive moment came when Fenerbahçe’s Mert Müldür blazed his effort over the bar, handing Rangers a 3-2 shootout victory and a 3-3 aggregate win, securing their passage to the quarter-finals. Butland’s heroics were met with a thunderous ovation, as players and staff celebrated in front of the Copland Road End.
Post-Match Reaction
Rangers captain James Tavernier speaking , reflected on the rollercoaster night: “We probably did it the hard way today, but we got through to the next round. These are the special nights in European football that you can’t replace. Jack [Butland] was immense, and the lads showed real character.”
Barry Ferguson, in only his third match as interim manager, praised his team’s resilience: “We were second best for large parts, but this team has heart. To come through on penalties after losing 2-0 shows the spirit in this group. We’ll enjoy tonight, but we know there’s more work to do.”
Fenerbahçe’s José Mourinho, ever the pragmatist, congratulated Rangers but highlighted his team’s missed opportunities: “If they celebrate after this match, I will congratulate them, but they know it could have been different. We dominated, but football is cruel. Penalties are a lottery, and tonight, we lost.”
What’s Next?
Rangers’ victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Athletic Bilbao, who overcame AS Roma 4-3 on aggregate in their Round of 16 tie. The first leg will be played in Glasgow, though Rangers will be without Souttar and Mohamed Diomande, both of whom are suspended after picking up bookings in the second leg. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, shift their focus back to the Turkish Super Lig, where they trail rivals Galatasaray in the title race.
For Rangers, this latest European triumph adds to their storied history in the competition, having reached the Europa League final in 2022. With Ibrox proving a fortress once again, the Gers will fancy their chances of going deep in the tournament, despite their domestic struggles this season.
Final Score (After Extra Time): Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahçe (3-3 on aggregate)
Penalty Shootout: Rangers 3-2 Fenerbahçe
Scorers: Szymański (45’, 73’)
Attendance: 49,218
Man of the Match: Jack Butland (Rangers)
