Cyriel Dessers delivered a stunning performance as Rangers secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League, taking a huge step towards the quarter-finals. On a dramatic night at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, the Nigerian international played a pivotal role, scoring the opening goal and providing a crucial assist to inspire the Scottish side.
Dessers Fires Rangers Ahead
Rangers wasted no time in making their mark, and it was Dessers who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Fenerbahce in the sixth minute. Pouncing on a misplaced pass, he rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball home. Former Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu attempted to clear it off the line, but goal-line technology confirmed the ball had crossed, giving Rangers the perfect start.
Soyuncu’s night went from bad to worse as he was forced off with an injury, but his replacement, Alexander Djiku, briefly lifted Fenerbahce’s hopes. The Ghanaian defender pulled off an acrobatic finish from a Sebastian Szymanski corner to level the score.
Dessers Provides the Spark
Unfazed, Rangers regained their lead just before halftime, thanks to Dessers’ vision. The forward set up Vaclav Cerny for a well-worked goal, as the Czech winger calmly finished off a flowing counterattack. Cerny then doubled his tally in the closing stages, sealing a ruthless away win for Rangers.
Dessers could have had an even bigger impact, but he was denied twice by marginal offside calls in quick succession. Despite the frustration, he remained a driving force in attack, tormenting the Fenerbahce defense throughout the match.
“A Beautiful Night” for Dessers
Reflecting on the victory, Dessers expressed his joy at Rangers’ performance but emphasized that the job is incomplete.
“This is a very good feeling. It was a beautiful night, but we’re well aware we’re only halfway there,” he said. “It’s a pity the goals were disallowed, but we have to enjoy this evening. To come to a difficult place against a good team and win should give us confidence. We need to keep going now and go hard.”
With the second leg at Ibrox next week, Rangers are in pole position to advance. A potential clash against either Roma or Athletic Bilbao looms in the next round.
Nigeria Calls on Dessers for World Cup Qualifiers
Dessers’ standout display comes at a perfect time, as he has just received a call-up to the Nigerian national team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chennel has included him in the squad to face Rwanda on March 21, 2025, and Zimbabwe on March 25, 2025. The 29-year-old forward, who has been capped six times by Nigeria and has scored two goals, will be eager to carry his club form onto the international stage.
With confidence high, Dessers will now look to guide Rangers into the quarter-finals while also making a strong impression with Nigeria as they continue their World Cup qualification campaign.
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