Vaclav Cerny unstoppable, 4/10 man struggles – Rangers player ratings v Fenerbahce
Barry Ferguson took charge of Rangers in Europe for the first time on Thursday night, with Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho playing host.
Ferguson made two Rangers changes for the clash in Istanbul, picking up a huge 3-1 win in the opening leg ahead of an Ibrox return next week.
Vaclav Cerny hit a crucial brace as Rangers defended with everything, and Cyriel Dessers made it 22 for the season, though could have had two more but for such close VAR denials.
Ibrox News rates the performances of each player out of 10 from Turkiye.
Rangers player ratings v Fenerbahce
Jack Butland – 6
Made some key saves when called upon, despite one mistake in the first half when he collided with Propper, leading his defender to be brought off. Was also suspect for Fener’s goal, but outweighed it with his second-half stops.
James Tavernier – 6
A steady game against better attackers than he faces in Scotland. A professional display without too much glamour.
John Souttar – 7
Aside from one strong foul for which he was booked, he was sound at the back, made key blocks and worked tirelessly.
Robin Propper (off for Leon Balogun 29′) – 4
A nasty head-to-head collision with Butland which saw him unable to continue, after a tricky start.
Jefte – 6
Good going forward, not too bad defensively apart from one moment in the first half, he got away with, not tracking his runner.
Ridvan Yilmaz (off for Dujon Sterling 76′) – 5
Returned to his hometown and wasn’t great when inviting pressure, but has certainly had worse games and held his own once again out of position.
Cerny and Dessers incredible for Rangers in Istanbul
Nico Raskin – 7
Tried to get forward from midfield when possible, had a busy game in midfield and matched his opponents. Had a great chance to make it three from a set-play, but did help with a sensational pass for Cerny after.
Connor Barron – 5
A difficult game at times for the young midfield man who lost the majority of his duels and struggled in the tackle, but he hasn’t had a lot of game time recently. Was helped by Raskin.
Mohamed Diomande (off for Ianis Hagi 76′) – 8
Won fouls, claimed an assist and worked hard. Was shattered by the time he was brought off and will be crucial next Thursday, with a weekend end break well earned.
| FENERBAHCE 1 | RANGERS 3 |
| Dessers 7′ | |
| Djiku 30′ | |
| Cerny 42′ | |
| Cerny 80′ |
Vaclav Cerny (off for Tom Lawrence 88′) – 9
Tremendous two goals, and great pressure for Dessers’ opener. A superb attacking performance. Looked as if Cerny tired slightly as the game went on, only to slide home his second on the break.
Cyriel Dessers (off for Hamza Igamane 88′) – 9
How unlucky can you get? His form under Ferguson has been terrific, and on another night he has a hat-trick to his name. Unfortunately, he settles for one instead of three thanks to offside checks. But to get in those positions for Dessers is hugely encouraging.
Substitutes
Leon Balogun (on for Robin Propper 29′) – 6
Sometimes invited pressure and lost aerial challenges, and was marking the Fenerbahce man for the goal. But it was a difficult ball to deal with, and did fine in place of the injured Propper.
Dujon Sterling (on for Ridvan Yilmaz 76′) – N/A
Ianis Hagi (on for Mohamed Diomande 76′) – N/A
Hamza Igamane (on for Cyriel Dessers 88′) – N/A
Tom Lawrence (on for Vaclav Cerny 88′) – N/A