Fenerbahce crash out of Europa League after dramatic penalty defeat to Rangers

Fenerbahce’s journey in the UEFA Europa League came to a dramatic end as they fell to Scotland’s Rangers 3-2 on penalties in the Round of 16 second-leg rematch at Ibrox Stadium.

Despite a 2-0 victory in regular time, which overturned a 3-1 deficit from the first leg, the Turkish side ultimately bowed out after a tense penalty shootout.

Sebastian Szymanski was the hero for Fenerbahce, scoring both goals. His first strike came just before halftime, giving the visitors hope with a 45th-minute goal. In the 73rd minute, Szymanski found the net again, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3 and forcing extra time.

Both teams had chances in extra time but failed to find a winner. The match then proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper Irfan Can Egribayat made a crucial save against Rangers‘ Ianis Hagi.

However, missed penalties by Fred, Mert Hakan Yandas, and Dusan Tadic proved costly, and Rangers’ Tom Lawrence sealed the victory by converting the final spot-kick, sending the Scottish club into the quarterfinals.

This result marks the end of Fenerbahce’s European campaign for the season, leaving fans to reflect on missed opportunities. Rangers, on the other hand, keep their Europa League hopes alive as they advance to the next stage.