Interim boss Barry Ferguson insists it would be idiotic to think Rangers are through to the Europa League quarter-finals with the stunning 3-1 win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Ferguson changed the Gers shape to a back three for the first time in the first leg and it contributed to a remarkable performance.
Cyriel Dessers netted the opener, which was cancelled out by home substitute Alexander Djiku and the Nigeria international also had two goals ruled out for offside after the break but winger Vaclav Cerny scored a double to put the Light Blues in the box seat for the second leg at Ibrox next Thursday night.
🔥#UEL pic.twitter.com/q0dKSXtU7Y
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 6, 2025
“There’s no way that the tie is over,” said former Gers captain Ferguson, who revealed defender Robin Propper suffered a bit of concussion after he was headed by his own keeper Jack Butland, which meant he had to be replaced by Leon Balogun, but should be okay.
“It was a great result for us tonight but it’s only been a half-time. I have huge respect for Jose as a manager, as I mentioned earlier on he’s one of the best that’s ever been, and when you look at his team, he has got players that are really dangerous and can really affect games so there’s no way that we think we’re in the last eight.
“I would be an absolute idiot if I thought that because, as I said, I’ve got respect.
“I thought it was a really good performance from my team. They gave me everything that I asked for from the start of the week.
“We went a different way from what we’re used to playing. They took a lot of information in.
“One thing I’ve got to give them is credit because they took every single thing that me and my coaching staff went over on the training ground.
“I thought tonight, at times, going forward, they looked a real threat. I thought defensively, the guys put their bodies on the line. Overall, it was a brilliant result.
“I said that to the players. We’ll have a couple of days rest because they worked ever so hard tonight. Then we’ll get back to work because it’s a big game for us next Thursday.”
Mourinho claimed it was a good result for his side as Rangers should have won by more – but he also warned that the tie is not over.
The Portuguese boss said: “We were very bad everywhere. I think it’s not fair to say we were very bad in defence, because we were very bad everywhere.
“Maybe you laugh, but for me it was a good result, because the way we performed the result could be bigger than this.
“I know that Butland made three fantastic saves. I know that there is, I think, a penalty, but to speak about the referee after this performance, I don’t think it’s ethical.
“The chances we had to score we didn’t. The dynamic in midfield was not good. Defensively, we made incredible mistakes. We never controlled that.
“They defended a lot with the block very low, a good and dangerous counter-attack, so we deserve the punishment of this result. But if somebody later wants to ask me do I think it’s over, no, I don’t think it’s over. There is 90 or 120 minutes to play.
“It’s the only positive thing. And from this game, I don’t take any positives. Everything went wrong.
“The only thing I tell them is, don’t celebrate too much because there is a second match. It’s my only advice.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga