Well few saw this coming when the Europa League last 16 draw was made!
Barry Ferguson’s Rangers have a commanding lead to defend over Jose Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce heading into the second leg. But for those who watched last week’s 3-1 hammering in Istanbul, the only real surprise is the gap isn’t even wider.
The interim boss inspired his stars to yet another famous European night on the road, but, as he was keen to remind anyone who would listen at his press conference, the tie is a long way from over. He’ll need the Ibrox faithful to stand behind his team and roar them on into the quarter-finals, and there’s a real confidence they can finish the job. That’s certainly the case among Record Sport’s writers who, to a man, predict Rangers will progress.
Here’s what our top team see it playing out.
Keith Jackson
Jose Mourinho is not likely to go quietly which means Rangers should expect a different attitude from Fenerbahce in the second leg. But that won’t make them any better able to cope with the Rangers counter attack. A goal or two for Barry Ferguson’s side should see them complete a famous KO.
Rangers 2 Fenerbahce 2
Graeme Young
This has an air of the Dortmund’s about it – a marquee away win which needs to be backed up by a gutsy home display. Jose Mourinho isn’t known for going gung-ho but if Barry Ferguson commits to going for the kill then the Ibrox side will be hard to stop. Expect Cyriel Dessers to be key again.
Rangers 2 Fenerbahce 2
Andy Newport
Jose Mourinho’s men have to score twice so the onus will be on the Turks to come to Glasgow and attack. If they leave themselves as wide open as they did last week in Istanbul, Rangers will be given plenty of opportunities to extend their lead.
Rangers 2 Fenerbahce 1
Alexander Cruickshanks
Last week, Barry Ferguson surprised everyone with his tactical changes and counter-attacking game plan, beating Jose Mourinho A marquee victory over ‘The Special One’ on the European stage is something not many get to achieve and with the same plan they can do it again.
Rangers 2 Fenerbahce 1
Fraser Wilson
A nervy but thrilling night lies in store and having produced a seismic result in Istanbul to put themselves in pole position Rangers will see the job through in front of their own fans. Fenerbahce need to go for goals and that will open up spaces for Rangers to exploit just like in Turkey. Getting the first goal would make it an easier night for the punters right enough.
Rangers 1 Fenerbahce 1
Scott Burns
I would expect Rangers to finish the job at home. They are in a great position with the 3-1 lead they take in from the first-leg. I think Rangers have the firepower to sink Fenerbahce again and Cyriel Dessers could be key again.
Rangers 2 Fenerbahce 1