Fenerbahce Vs Rangers

Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce will play host to Rangers at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday evening. This highly anticipated clash brings together two sides with contrasting journeys through the competition so far. While Rangers secured a comfortable top-eight finish in the 36-team League Phase, their Turkish counterparts struggled, finishing in 24th place. To secure their place in the knockout rounds, Fenerbahce had to navigate a tricky playoff against Anderlecht, ultimately advancing with a commanding 5-2 aggregate victory.

Fenerbahce have been in imperious form of late, with their last defeat in any competition dating back to December 11. This remarkable unbeaten streak was extended to 18 matches following a dominant 3-0 home victory against Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig last Sunday. The match saw early goals from Mert Muldur, Dusan Tadic, and Youssef En-Nesyri, effectively sealing the outcome within the opening 30 minutes. Defensively, they were just as impressive, preventing their opponents from recording a single shot on target, underlining their recent defensive solidity. The victory brought Fenerbahce within four points of their fierce rivals, Galatasaray, who currently lead the league standings.

This impressive triumph was achieved without the presence of Jose Mourinho on the touchline, as the Portuguese manager was serving the final game of a two-match domestic suspension. The ban was imposed following his controversial and critical comments directed at Turkish referees. However, with his suspension now completed, the 62-year-old will be back in the dugout for this crucial Europa League fixture against Rangers, bringing his vast European experience to bear on the tie.

Mourinho is no stranger to success in this competition, having previously lifted the Europa League trophy with Manchester United in the 2016-17 season. His reputation as a master of European knockout football will give Fenerbahce confidence that they can progress beyond the last 16 for the first time since the 2012-13 season when they reached the semi-finals. The Turkish giants will also take heart from their impressive record against Scottish teams in European competition, having never suffered defeat. That said, their overall record remains modest, with three draws and just one victory—a 2-1 aggregate win over Rangers in a Champions League qualifier back in 2001.

While Fenerbahce arrive in this tie in excellent form, Rangers have endured a mixed run of results under new head coach Barry Ferguson. Following a morale-boosting 4-2 comeback victory against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, they suffered a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Motherwell last weekend. That loss was particularly painful as it marked their third consecutive defeat at Ibrox, a streak not seen in over a decade. The match started poorly for the Gers, who found themselves two goals down at halftime. Although top scorer Cyriel Dessers pulled one back in the 54th minute—registering his 21st goal of the season—his dramatic late equalizer was ruled out by VAR, leaving Rangers frustrated and empty-handed.

Ferguson’s return to Ibrox as manager was always going to be an emotional affair. Having made 409 appearances for the club across two spells as a player, he is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Rangers' history. However, his side's current standing in the league table paints a grim picture, as they now sit 16 points behind their bitter rivals and reigning champions Celtic. As they struggle for domestic form, a change of scenery might work in their favor, with their recent away record offering some encouragement. Rangers have won their last three matches on the road and have suffered just one defeat in their previous seven away fixtures in the Europa League.

Despite their relative strength away from home, Rangers have historically found this stage of European competition difficult to navigate. They have progressed from just two of their previous 11 last-16 ties in major European tournaments. Their successes came in the 2007-08 UEFA Cup when they eliminated Werder Bremen and in the 2021-22 Europa League when they overcame Red Star Belgrade en route to reaching the final. Those campaigns showcased their ability to rise to the occasion, but they will need to rediscover that same resilience to avoid a second consecutive last-16 exit. Last season, they were eliminated by Benfica, losing 3-2 on aggregate after two hard-fought legs.

With the weight of expectation on both sides, this match-up promises to be a fascinating contest. Fenerbahce will be buoyed by their formidable home record, Mourinho’s tactical acumen, and their current unbeaten run. The Yellow Canaries have been dominant domestically, and their defensive solidity has been a key feature of their recent success. With experienced campaigners like Tadic and En-Nesyri in their ranks, they possess the firepower to trouble any opponent. The return of Mourinho to the touchline will only add to their confidence, as he thrives in high-stakes European encounters and is known for his meticulous preparation.

On the other hand, Rangers must quickly put their domestic struggles behind them and focus on the challenge at hand. While their form at Ibrox has been concerning, their away record suggests they are capable of delivering strong performances on foreign soil. The key for Ferguson’s men will be maintaining defensive discipline while capitalizing on their attacking opportunities. Dessers, in particular, will be crucial to their hopes, given his impressive goal-scoring exploits this season. If he can find the net and Rangers can remain compact at the back, they stand a chance of taking a positive result back to Glasgow for the second leg.

Much will depend on how Rangers approach this game tactically. Fenerbahce are likely to dominate possession, looking to dictate play and break down their Scottish visitors. Mourinho’s teams are known for their defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess, so Rangers must be wary of quick transitions. At the same time, the Gers have shown that they can be dangerous when given space to exploit. Their ability to remain composed under pressure and take their chances when they arise could be the difference between success and failure.

The first leg in Istanbul is set to be a pulsating affair, with both teams eager to seize control of the tie. Fenerbahce will be determined to make home advantage count, while Rangers will look to keep the contest alive heading into the return leg at Ibrox. Given their contrasting fortunes in their respective domestic leagues and their differing paths to this stage of the competition, the clash between these two historic clubs is expected to deliver plenty of drama and intrigue. With Mourinho back in the dugout and Ferguson looking to inspire a turnaround in fortunes, all eyes will be on the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium as the Europa League knockout rounds get underway.