Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (3-2 pens): Analysis

BBC News

13-03-2025

Tension, drama, nerves, this Europa League second leg tie wasn't for the faint hearted. At the end of the second half, it looked like there was only going to be one winner as Fenerbache headed into extra time on top. But Rangers dug deep and they found a renewed energy for much of extra time.The nerves during the spot kicks were something else but Rangers and Jack Butland were equal to the pressurised task. Rangers did make life hard for themselves though, given their lead from the first leg, and how they played for the majority of the first half of this one, they allowed Fenerbahce back into this tie and the visitors' confidence only grew. Their goal just before half-time gave them a huge boost, there's no question about that. It had the opposite effect on Rangers. The visitors came out for the second 45 firing on all cylinders, piling on the pressure. Rangers, on the other hand, lost their confidence and their dominance. For the majority of the first half they played with energy and intent, their failure to score from decent positions though was an issue, and it almost came back to haunt them.When Fenerbahce grabbed their second goal of the night, it was deserved, they were the better side and left Rangers' Europa League hopes hanging by a thread.The equaliser set up a tense watch for the Rangers fans, the Turkish side were oozing confidence, Rangers were sloppy when they did see the ball. In extra time, Rangers offered more. Vaclav Cerny forced a brilliant save, and suddenly there was some hope. When it went to penalties you fancied Rangers, and Jack Butland more than played his part to cap a brilliant night for the Ibrox side.A great achievement as they march on in Europe.