Cyriel Dessers Shines as Rangers Stun Fenerbahce in Europa League Thriller
On a thrilling European night in Istanbul, Cyriel Dessers once again proved why he is Rangers’ man of the moment. The Nigerian striker delivered a goal and an assist as the Scottish giants secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 clash.
From the first whistle at Ülker Stadyumu FB Şükrü Saraçoğlu Spor Kompleksi, Rangers set the tone, and it didn’t take long for Dessers to make his mark. In the seventh minute, he clinically slotted home to give his side the perfect start.
Fenerbahce, however, responded with a moment of brilliance—a stunning volley from a corner in the 30th minute brought the hosts level. But just before halftime, Dessers turned provider, setting up Vaclav Černý for a well-crafted finish that restored Rangers’ lead.
The Nigerian forward thought he had put the game beyond doubt in the 51st minute with a second goal, only for it to be ruled out. Yet, Rangers kept pushing, and in the dying moments, Černý struck again to seal a valuable two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg at Ibrox Stadium.
Under new manager Barry Ferguson, Dessers has been in red-hot form, scoring in each of the three matches since the Scottish legend took charge. His goal-scoring streak extends beyond Europe, with recent strikes against Kilmarnock and Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
His impressive displays have earned him a spot in Nigeria’s 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. With his current form, Dessers could be a key figure for both club and country in the crucial weeks ahead.