Europa League: Dessers on target as Rangers shock Fenerbahce

Nigeria Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers played an impressive part in Rangers’ 3-1 win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash on Thursday, www.aclsports.com reports.

Dessers, 30, opened the scoring for the Scottish side in the sixth minute before Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku got the Turkish giants back on level terms. Vaclav Cerny grabbed a second-half brace including one off Dessers’ assist to clinch a surprising first-leg lead ahead of the return leg in Scotland.

The Nigerian striker, who is in Eric Chelle’s provisional list for this month’s World Cup Qualifiers, capitalised on a defensive lapse to squeeze his shot over the line before Caglar Sonyuncu could clear the ball for the game’s opening goal.

That goal woke the hosts up, and they eventually got back on level terms through Djiku. Moments later Barry Ferguson’s men got back in front through Cerny’s goal following a one-two with Dessers just before the break.

However, Rangers and Dessers reached another level in the second half to condemn Mourinho’s men to defeat in Istanbul. Dessers netted twice as Rangers continued to threaten on the counter, but was found to be offside on both occasions by VAR. Late into the game, Cerny did get Rangers’ third with a cool finish to secure a memorable victory and maintain his side’s fine form in Europe.

After the game, Dessers said; “This is a very good feeling. It was a beautiful night but we’re well aware we’re only halfway there. That’s a pity the goals were disallowed. We have to enjoy this evening. To come to a difficult place against a good team and win should give us confidence.”

Rangers, who also had Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun feature in the game, will hope to finish the job when they meet again at Ibrox for the second leg next week.