Fenerbahce falls 3-1 to Rangers in Europa League Round of 16 first Leg
Players of Rangers celebrate after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg match between Fenerbahce and Rangers at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, March 06, 2025. (AA Photo)
Fenerbahce suffered a 3-1 defeat against Rangers in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul on Thursday night.
The match began with an early goal from Rangers’ forward Dessers, who capitalized on a defensive error by Turkish team to put the visitors ahead in the 6th minute. Fenerbahce’s woes continued as Caglar Soyuncu was forced off due to injury in the 17th minute, replaced by Alexander Djiku.
Rangers lead before halftime
Despite a strong effort, Fenerbahce managed to equalize in the 30th minute when Djiku headed in a corner from Szymanski. However, Rangers regained the lead just before halftime with a goal from Cerny, making it 2-1.
The second half saw Fenerbahce introduce Anderson Talisca in an attempt to turn the tide, but Rangers’ defense held firm. A potential third goal for Rangers was disallowed by VAR for offside in the 51st minute.
However, Dessers struck again in the 58th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out once more by VAR.
Challenge ahead for Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce’s Anderson Talisca received a yellow card in the 67th minute, adding to the home side’s frustrations. Despite their efforts, Fenerbahce was unable to find an equalizer, and the match ended 3-1 in favor of Rangers.
The result leaves Fenerbahce with a challenging task in the second leg in Scotland next week, where they will need to overturn the deficit to advance to the quarterfinals.
This was Fenerbahce’s first defeat against the Scottish side, whom they faced for the third time.
The Turkish team previously met Rangers in the UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round during the 2001-2002 season, with the two teams facing off again after 23 years.
The first match, played in Glasgow on August 8, 2001, ended in a goalless draw. Fenerbahce won the return leg at home on August 22, 2001, with a 2-1 victory, advancing to the group stage.
3 goals at home for the 1st time in Europe clashes
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce conceded three goals at home for the first time this season in European competitions.
In their eighth home European match of the season, including two Champions League qualifiers, the Turkish team had allowed at most one goal to their opponents, except for the 2-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao.
Fenerbahce’s first instance of conceding three goals came against Rangers.
