Jermaine Pennant not a fan of what happened in Rangers v Fenerbahce – ‘Horrible’
Rangers stumbled past Jose Mourinho’s side to secure their place in the next round of the Europa League.
Despite having taken a 3-1 advantage into the home leg at Ibrox, Rangers were taken all the way to penalties against Fenerbahce after a 2-0 defeat on the night.
Jack Butland served up the heroics for the Light Blues, saving two penalties, while a third was blazed over the bar.
While Barry Ferguson’s side won’t mind how they found a way through, the same cannot be said about Jermaine Pennant.
Pennant clearly not a fan of what happened at Ibrox
Rangers were not at their best against Mourinho’s men, and they were perhaps fortunate to have been afforded the luxury of a penalty shootout given the lack of attacking threat they posed in the game.
Ferguson’s side kept their composure and ensured that they progressed, though Pennant was not a fan of the way the game panned out.
| Rangers v Fenerbahce | Goals | Shots | xG | Possession |
| Rangers | 0 | 23 | 1.07 | 40% |
| Fenerbahce | 2 | 21 | 1.86 | 60% |
Speaking on talkSPORT (13 March, 10:50 pm), Pennant said: “That’s where [Fenerbahce] lost this tie, losing at home 3-1. You can lose, but when you concede three goals at home in a big double tie like this, it’s a mountain to climb.
“Then penalties, its horrible. Anyone can win on penalties. They’re horrible.”
A penalty shootout is certainly a lottery at the best of times, and very rarely is it a showcase of the quality that was on display in regular time.
However, Rangers will not care at all, though they will have to take into account the frailties that were on show during the 120 minutes before the shootout if they are to make even more progress in the competition.
Rangers must improve attacking output
With the Europa League their only remaining chance of silverware, Rangers need to find a way to ensure they have the best chance of winning the competition.
The first port of call will be to improve the output in the final third, which was lacking throughout the clash against Fenerbahce.
On their day, Rangers have players that can hurt anyone, though a lack of consistency has been the main downfall throughout the season.