Rangers took a massive step towards the quarter-finals of the Europa League after winning 3-1 against Fenerbahce in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Vaclav Cerny scored a double to add to Cyriel Dessers’ opener to put Rangers in an extremely strong position when the two teams reconvene at Ibrox next Thursday. Fenerbahce briefly restored parity through substitute Alexander Djiku, but were a clear second best against Barry Ferguson’s men.
This was another excellent performance on the continent for Rangers, who have saved their best displays this season for the Europa League. This victory on the banks of the Bosphorus came just five days after losing at home to Motherwell.
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce team were slack and could not match Rangers for effort, with Ferguson’s formation tweak to a 3-4-2-1 paying dividends.
We give each Rangers starter a mark out of ten for their efforts at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium as the Ibrox side chalked up such an impressive result in Turkey.
9. Mohamed Diomande
The Ivorian midfielder was asked to play higher up the pitch and support the attacks. Showed boundless energy and got into some promising areas. Came off in latter part of the game. 8 | AFP via Getty Images
10. Vaclav Cerny
Showed glorious composure to take his two goals and was always a threat to the weak Fenerbahce rearguard. When in the mood, he is such a creative force for this Rangers team. 9 | PA
11. Cyriel Dessers
Led the line so strongly. Good movement and link-up play and netted the opener by the finest of margins, with the ball just crossing the line. Assisted Vaclav Cerny's first goal and in the second half, had two further goals ruled out for the finest of offside calls. Nevertheless, a sumptuous striking display. 9 | PA
12. Rangers substitutes
Leon Balogun, above, came on Robin Propper and did really well in the centre of defence. Ianis Hagi, Dujon Sterling, Hamza Igamane and Tom Lawrence all also came on. | PA