Rangers vs Fenerbahce – Europa League Last 16 Second Leg Preview
Rangers have the opportunity to secure a place in the Europa League quarter-finals for the first time in three years when they take on Fenerbahce tonight at Ibrox. The Scottish side holds a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, a stunning result that saw interim manager Barry Ferguson outwit the legendary José Mourinho in Istanbul last week.
However, Ferguson has emphasized that the job is far from done, warning his players that they need to be streetwise to overcome Fenerbahce. The Turkish giants remain dangerous, and Mourinho himself has stated that his team is still better than Rangers and that the door to the quarter-finals is still open.
Ibrox is set to be rocking with an electric atmosphere, with Rangers fans expected to create a hostile environment for Fenerbahce. But after three consecutive home defeats, including a humiliating Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park, Rangers must show resilience and composure to finish the job.
Match Details
Fixture: Rangers vs Fenerbahce
Competition: UEFA Europa League – Round of 16, Second Leg
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Kick-Off Time: 8:00 PM GMT
Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
How to Watch Rangers vs Fenerbahce
TV Broadcast
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 2. Pre-match coverage starts at 7:00 PM GMT, an hour before kick-off.
Live Radio Commentary
For those on the move, live commentary will be available on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound, starting at 6:00 PM GMT.
Live Stream
Viewers can watch via discovery+ if they have a BT, EE, Sky, or Virgin Media subscription.
International Coverage
Fans outside the UK can check UEFA’s official website for a full list of broadcasters showing the match in their country.
Rangers Team News & Injury Updates
Interim boss Barry Ferguson has some selection dilemmas heading into tonight’s clash.
Robin Pröpper (Doubtful) – The Dutch defender suffered a concussion in the first leg after colliding with goalkeeper Jack Butland and had to be substituted. His availability remains uncertain.
“Two or three” other injury doubts – Ferguson has refused to name specific players but hinted at more fitness concerns within the squad.
Oscar Cortes (Injured & Ineligible) – The Colombian winger is sidelined with an injury but would not have played anyway, as Philippe Clement removed him from the Europa League squad.
Loanees Neraysho Kasanwirjo & Rafael Fernandes (Unavailable) – Both are ineligible for the competition and will miss out.
Fenerbahce Team News
José Mourinho’s side has been boosted by the return of key players but still faces some selection issues.
Fred & Bright Osayi-Samuel (Available) – Both players were suspended for the first leg but are now back in contention, strengthening Fenerbahce’s midfield and defense.
Allan Saint-Maximin (Out Injured) – The tricky French winger misses out, which is a major blow to Fenerbahce’s attacking options.
Leonardo Bonucci (Expected to Start) – The experienced Italian defender is likely to marshal the backline for the Turkish side.
Match Officials
Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway)
Assistant Referees: Jan Erik Engan & Isaak Elias Bashevkin
VAR: Pol van Boekel (Netherlands)
Assistant VAR (AVAR): Christian Dingert
First Leg Recap – Rangers Stun Mourinho’s Fenerbahce
Rangers shocked the football world last Thursday with a 3-1 win in Istanbul. Goals from Cyriel Dessers, Todd Cantwell, and Abdallah Sima gave Ferguson’s men a commanding lead heading into tonight’s second leg.
Fenerbahce dominated possession and had more shots, but Rangers were clinical, exposing defensive weaknesses in Mourinho’s side. The result means Rangers only need to avoid defeat to book their place in the quarter-finals.
However, Mourinho has never been eliminated at this stage of the Europa League, and Fenerbahce will be desperate to stage a comeback at Ibrox.
Key Tactical Battles
- Can Rangers Handle Fenerbahce’s Pressing?
Mourinho will likely instruct his side to press aggressively from the start, knowing they need at least two goals. Rangers’ midfield, led by John Lundstram and Ryan Jack, must remain calm under pressure and avoid giving away possession in dangerous areas.
- The Importance of Set-Pieces
With Leonardo Bonucci back in the lineup, Fenerbahce will look to exploit corners and free-kicks. Rangers’ defense must be organized to clear their lines efficiently.
- Cyriel Dessers – Rangers’ Big-Game Player?
With 14 goals this season, Dessers has stepped up in key moments. If he can hold up play and finish his chances, Rangers have a great chance of progressing.
Predictions & Betting Odds
Odds (90-Minute Result)
Rangers Win: 2/1 (SkyBet)
Draw: 11/5 (Bet365)
Fenerbahce Win: 6/5 (Paddy Power)
Prediction
Rangers 2-2 Fenerbahce (Rangers win 5-3 on aggregate)
Rangers’ first-leg advantage puts them in a strong position, but Fenerbahce will come out fighting. Expect a high-scoring encounter, with Rangers ultimately securing qualification.
What’s at Stake?
If Rangers progress, they will reach the Europa League quarter-finals for the first time since 2022, when they famously made it all the way to the final before losing to Eintracht Frankfurt.
If Fenerbahce win by two goals, the match will go to extra time. A three-goal win would see Mourinho’s side advance outright.
Tonight’s game is one of the biggest of Rangers’ season and could be historic for Barry Ferguson, who is still in his first weeks as interim boss. Can the Ibrox crowd help their team over the line?
Final Thoughts
Rangers have put themselves in a commanding position, but this tie is far from over. Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are dangerous, and with experienced players like Fred and Bonucci returning, they will pose a real threat.
However, with a packed Ibrox roaring them on, Rangers have every chance to finish the job and reach the quarter-finals.
No matter what happens, it’s set to be a thrilling night of European football in Glasgow.
Who do you think will go through? Let me know your thoughts!