Rangers head into the second leg of their UEFA Europa League (UEL) Round of 16 tie against Fenerbahçe with a commanding 3-1 lead from the first leg in Istanbul. The Scottish giants showcased their attacking quality with a clinical display in Turkey, scoring three times and having two additional goals ruled out by VAR. With Fenerbahçe now chasing the game, this return fixture at Ibrox is expected to produce another high-scoring affair.
Rangers vs Fenerbahçe Fixture Preview and Betting Recommendations
Rangers’ Attacking Strength and Defensive Vulnerabilities
The team from Glasgow have been prolific in the UEL this season, particularly at home, where they have scored in 13 of their last 14 matches in this competition. The Gers have also netted at least two goals in four of their last five home games across all competitions.
Their attacking lineup, featuring the in-form Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny, has the potential to trouble Fenerbahçe’s weakened backline. However, Rangers‘ defensive record has been inconsistent. They have conceded in five of their last six matches across all competitions, including two goals against Kilmarnock and three against Motherwell in domestic fixtures.
This defensive inconsistency suggests that Fenerbahçe will have opportunities to score, further increasing the likelihood of over 2.5 goals in this encounter.
Fenerbahçe’s Need to Attack
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe find themselves in a must-win situation, needing at least a two-goal victory to stay in the tie. The Turkish side, known for their attacking approach, has scored at least twice in four of their last six matches in all competitions, including a 4-1 cup victory over Gaziantep. Key forward Youssef En-Nesyri, who has six UEL goals this season, will be a major threat, particularly given his record of scoring in away European matches.
However, Fenerbahçe’s defensive issues are a concern. They have conceded in five of their last six away matches across all competitions, and their record in European knockout ties on the road is poor (one win in their last 11). Given their need to attack, they are likely to leave spaces at the back, which could allow Rangers to exploit them on the counterattack, just as they did in the first leg.
Rangers vs Fenerbahçe – Statistical Indicators
Supporting Over 2.5 Goals – Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently: Each of Fenerbahçe’s last three UEL away games saw both teams score before half-time. Rangers have seen over 2.5 goals in four of their last five games in all competitions. Fenerbahçe have scored at least two goals in four of their last six matches but have also conceded in five of their last six away games. The first leg produced four goals, indicating the potential for another high-scoring match.
Rangers vs Fenerbahçe game – Conclusion
Given Rangers’ attacking potency at home, Fenerbahçe’s need to push forward, and the defensive vulnerabilities of both sides, this match has all the ingredients for another high-scoring contest. With Rangers looking to kill the tie off early and Fenerbahçe desperate to stage a comeback, expect an open game with plenty of chances at both ends.
Final Prediction on Rangers vs Fenerbahçe game: Over 2.5 Goals.
