Match Thread [AET] Rangers beat Fenerbahce 3-2 on pens

[der Berliner 4,062]

4 hours ago, Bluedell said:

I don't agree that we were second best in the first leg. We played on the counter but deservedly won 3-1, going on 5.

Football-ability-wise, we were second best in both games. They cut us open on numerous occasions in both games, but were rather suspect at the back. We pounced on that. Had they been a bit more lethal ... all of which is essentially a carbon copy of our Scottish league campaigns for the best part of a decade. We did what they failed in and were ruthless in our counter-attacks. Yesterday, we used the same tactics and they pushed us back time and again. Had Cerny been a little more unselfish, we might have saved us from 30 more minutes of this, plus penalties. But truth be told, we never really looked like scoring for most parts, as they adapted to our game of last week. I am as happy as anyone, but yesterday was too tight for comfort. A marvellous achievement for the side we have right now, of course.

 

Wee remark: we should look to give Jefte a rest every now and then. Against good attackers (and physical ones), he's been second best on numerous occasions, usually resulting in goals. Not that Ridvan is more physical, but he has more bite. In a 5-man defence like yesterday, it may work with Jefte, as there's someone covering for him. Having Barron back is a bonus, as he provides protection to our backline too. Hope he and Dessers is fit for Sunday, not that the game matters that much anymore, bragging rights aside.

[RANGERRAB 4,019]

1 hour ago, Frankie said:

I think we do. We have few that I'd consider capable of bringing about success and, those that are, will probably be moved out on of necessity (e.g. Cerny loan ending or others to help finance another rebuild).

 

 

We really must think about signing Cerny whatever it takes.

[der Berliner 4,062]

Snatched from our board ...

 

Highlights from the first game

 

Yesterday:

 

5 Minutes Highlights

 

Penalty Shootout TNT Sports

 

That Moment

 

The Scenes

 

I'm feeling it

 

Reaction Barry Ferguson

 

Press Conference Barry Ferguson

 

Reaction Jack Butland and James Tavernier

 

Reaction Jack Butland

 

Reaction Leon Balogun

 

Reaction Mohamed Diomande

 

Pics by Rangers FC

 

Pics by Willie Vass

[Ready1314 63]

11 minutes ago, RANGERRAB said:

We really must think about signing Cerny whatever it takes.

We are not paying 6m anytime soon on anybody but hes going to be a major loss because hes the only one thats creative and makes chances in the whole squad.

[Graeme Ro55 986]

Happy we are going through, but a little disapointed in the way we played. I thought we were by far the better team over there and we should have pushed them harder. there was a lot of sitting back trying to soak up their play. Had we been more positive we would have scored as their defence is poor. Skriniar is done and there keeper was average at best.

[Rousseau 11,471]

Sterling looked to be very involved.

 

Jefte and Diomande again having a good connection, with the former playing very high.

 

I know Balogun is a decent defender but he is a bit of a black hole when it comes to ball circulation. It's more stark when you compare him to the few minutes Propper had in the last game. In that 20-odd minute spell Propper had more connections than Balogun had in two matches. Of course you want them to defend first, but at this level we do need the ability to progress the ball. 

 

It looks like we never found Dessers that much. 

 

Raskin and Barron had a lot of strong connections. 

 

[alexscottislegend 2,593]

15 hours ago, Uilleam said:

And what is more, we beat them on away goals!!

One way to look at it. Actually I wish we still had that rule.