Danilo ‘fuming’ after what Ferguson did in Rangers v Fenerbahce
Barry Ferguson succumbed to player pressure for Rangers in their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.
Rangers were taken all the way to extra time and penalties against Fenerbahce, who won 2-0 on the night, despite the Light Blues entering the game with a 3-1 advantage after their win in Istanbul.
Thankfully, Jack Butland was able to provide the heroics for Rangers and earn their place in the quarterfinals of the Europa League with victory in the shoot-out.
However, one decision made by Ferguson in extra time left Danilo visibly livid in the Rangers dugout.
Ferguson leaves Danilo fuming in Rangers dugout
With the score level on aggregate at half time of extra time, Ferguson was all but set to withdraw Vaclav Cerny from the game, though the Czech international made his feelings very clear on the matter.
Danilo was already stripped and ready to be introduced to the game before Ferguson opted against the substitution and sent the Brazillian back to the bench.
Cerny was understandably pleased that Ferguson backtracked, while Danilo was captured punching the dugout in frustration [TNT Sports, 13 March, 10:19pm].
| Rangers v Fenerbahce | Goals | Shots | xG | Possession |
| Rangers | 0 | 23 | 1.07 | 40% |
| Fenerbahce | 2 | 21 | 1.86 | 60% |
Given the importance of the game and the fact that Danilo has already had a troubled time at Rangers, his frustration is more than warranted.
However, with Rangers now into the final eight in the Europa League, Ferguson will have bigger fish to fry, and with Cerny scoring his penalty in the shootout, it seems like Ferguson’s decision paid off.
Rangers must improve in Europa League quarterfinals
While the celebrations of reaching the quarterfinals of the Europa League will last overnight, the focus will immediately turn to the quarterfinals, with plenty of preparation and improvement to be made ahead of them.
Despite the win, Rangers failed to pose much of an attacking threat in the game, and that will need to improve if they are to progress even further.
With the Europa League their only remaining chance of silverware, Ferguson will be well aware of the level of planning that is needed at Ibrox.