Rangers manager Barry Ferguson has praised his side’s resilience after two Cyriel Dessers goals were disallowed in their 3-1 victory over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night, Footynaija.com reports.
Dessers delivered a standout performance in Istanbul, scoring the opener, assisting the second goal, and playing a pivotal role in the third.
The Nigerian striker had two goals ruled out for offside but remained a constant threat as Rangers secured a crucial advantage ahead of next week’s second-leg at Ibrox.
The visitors took the lead after just six minutes when Dessers fired home, setting the tone for a strong attacking display.
Although Fenerbahce equalised Rangers regained the lead thanks to Dessers’ assist for a Vaclav Cerny goal before the Czech forward added his second to make it 3-1.
The finest of margins
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
Cyriel Dessers has TWO Rangers goals ruled out for offside inside five minutes…
@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/G733Anu2ti
Ferguson was delighted with how his side handled the setback of Dessers’ disallowed goals, praising the team’s mentality.
He said: “It is always important to get off to a good start and I think that is what we did. We spoke about it before the game – when you come to places like this, it is intimidating at times, but I also said go and enjoy these kinds of atmospheres, this is what playing football is all about.
“They obviously got the equaliser, we didn’t let our heads go down which is important and then I thought we finished the first-half strong. In the second-half I thought again we created a number of chances. Obviously, we had the two goals disallowed, but it is easy again to feel sorry for yourself – but one thing about the boys now, they are starting to learn they can’t be that way at Rangers.”
Despite the impressive result, Ferguson urged his players to stay focused ahead of the second-leg in Glasgow.
“It was a great result and a great performance, but we also know that it is only half-time in the tie. We’ll come back in, and we’ll refocus for the game next Thursday. They have got a top manager, and I expect Fenerbahce to be a different team next week.”
Rangers will look to protect their two-goal advantage at Ibrox as they aim to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
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