Rangers triumph over Fenerbahce tinged with Ibrox regret for Graeme Souness
Rangers produced another memorable Ibrox night on Thursday after overcoming Fenerbahce on penalties.
Barry Ferguson’s Gers continued to defy the odds on the continent by squeezing past Jose Mourinho’s side on penalties in Govan, winning the shootout 3-2 after a 2-0 loss meant a 3-3 draw on aggregate.
Sebastian Szymanski’s goals either side of half-time had levelled the tie on aggregate following Rangers’ 3-1 win in the first leg at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, but a new hero at Ibrox emerged at the death.
Jack Butland made saves from Dusan Tadic and Fred’s spot-kicks in the shootout before Mert Hakan Yandas blazed his effort over the top to send Rangers into the last eight – cue wild celebrations at Ibrox.
Graham Souness reacts to Rangers win with regret
Rangers qualifying for the quarter-finals and booking a date with Athletic Bilbao promises to provide two absolutely brilliant atmospheres at both Ibrox and San Mames – with the latter hosting this year’s final.
| Rangers | Statistic | Fenerbahce |
| 0 | Goals | 2 |
| 0.97 xG | xG | 2.01 xG |
| 9 / 23 | Shots on Target | 3 / 21 |
| 40% | Possession | 60% |
| 5 | Corners | 1 |
| 2 | Penalty Saves | 1 |
One figure who missed last Thursday’s dramatic win over Fenerbahce was Graham Souness, and writing in his Daily Mail column (14 March), the Ibrox legend suggested that he won’t be missing out again.
Souness said: “Rangers have not had much to shout about of late but I wish I had been at Ibrox, as I know how special an atmosphere those European nights can create.
“They were second fiddle to Jose Mourinho’s side for most of the game but dug in and found a way to win.”
Rangers ready to better Souness achievements v Athletic Bilbao
Souness’ time at Ibrox is one Rangers fans the world over look back on with universal fondness; his period as player-manager yielding three Scottish Premier Division titles and a further four League Cups.
On the continent, however, Souness’ Gers never advanced past the quarter-finals of any competition, reaching the last eight of the 1988 European Cup and the third round of the UEFA Cup in 1986–87.
Under the interim tutelage of Barry Ferguson, Rangers now have the chance to do what Souness’ side could never do and reach the last four, looking to emulate their run to the 2022 Europa League Final.
Rangers have arguably not recovered from losing on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville three years ago, but after dispatching Fenerbahce the very same way, Souness and other Ibrox heroes will now be daring to dream.