Europa League: Dessers' goal and assist inspires Rangers to 3-1 win against Fenerbahce

Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers continued his impressive form as Rangers secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie at Ülker Stadyumu FB Şükrü Saraçoğlu Spor Kompleksi on Thursday evening. 

Dessers played a pivotal role in the win, scoring and providing an assist to give the Scottish side a strong advantage ahead of the return leg at Ibrox Stadium.  

The Nigerian international opened the scoring in the seventh minute, clinically firing past the goalkeeper.

However, Fenerbahce responded through a stunning volley from a corner, leveling the score in the 30th minute.  

Dessers was not done yet, setting up Vaclav Černý for a well-worked goal just before the break, restoring Rangers' lead.

He thought he had sealed the victory in the 51st minute with his second goal of the night, but the goal was ruled out, denying Rangers an even bigger advantage ahead of the second leg.

With just a few minutes remaining, Vaclav Černý scored his brace, securing a two-goal lead for Rangers ahead of the second leg.

Since the arrival of manager Barry Ferguson, the 30-year-old striker has been in exceptional form, scoring in each of the three matches under the new boss.

He also found the net in recent Scottish Premiership games against Kilmarnock and Motherwell.  

Dessers' recent performances have not gone unnoticed, as he was included in Nigeria's 39-man provisional squad for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.  

With his current form, the Rangers forward could play a crucial role for both club and country in the coming weeks.

Adeyemi Adewale

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