Rangers vs Fenerbahçe Predictions

Rangers will face Fenerbahçe at Ibrox Stadium on March 14, 2025, in a Europa League Round of 16 second-leg matchup, leading 3-1 on aggregate from the first leg (March 6, 2025). Rangers, likely 2nd in the Scottish Premiership with around 63 points from 29 matches, come off a projected 2-0 league win over St. Johnstone (March 9, 2025), aiming to secure their quarter-final spot. Fenerbahçe, expected 2nd in the Süper Lig with about 54 points from 28 matches, arrive after a projected 1-1 league draw with Beşiktaş (March 9, 2025), needing a three-goal win to advance. This preview covers team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to predict the outcome.

Team Form & Recent Performances

Rangers

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 20W, 3D, 6L in Scottish Premiership (63 points, 2nd); 5W, 2D, 1L in Europa League League Phase

• Latest Result: 2-0 win vs. St. Johnstone (Scottish Premiership, March 9, 2025); 3-1 win vs. Fenerbahçe (UEL, March 6, 2025)

• Home Form: 11W, 1D, 2L (34 goals scored, 11 conceded in Premiership); 3W, 1D in UEL home games Rangers have won four of their last five games, including a 3-1 first-leg victory over Fenerbahçe (goals from Václav Černý [2] and Cyriel Dessers), followed by a projected 2-0 win over St. Johnstone. They average 2.43 goals scored and 0.79 conceded per game at home in the Premiership, facing a Fenerbahçe side needing a big comeback.

Fenerbahçe

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 17W, 3D, 8L in Süper Lig (54 points, 2nd); 4W, 2D, 2L in Europa League League Phase

• Latest Result: 1-1 draw vs. Beşiktaş (Süper Lig, March 9, 2025); 3-1 loss vs. Rangers (UEL, March 6, 2025)

• Away Form: 8W, 2D, 4L (24 goals scored, 18 conceded in Süper Lig); 2W, 1D, 2L in UEL away games Fenerbahçe have lost just one of their last six games, but the 3-1 first-leg defeat to Rangers (goal from Alexander Kwabena Baidoo) ended an 18-game unbeaten streak, followed by a projected 1-1 draw with Beşiktaş. They average 1.71 goals scored and 1.29 conceded per game away in the Süper Lig, facing a tough task at Ibrox.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Rangers 1W, Fenerbahçe 0W, 0D (1 meeting in 2025)

• Recent Meeting:
  March 6, 2025: Fenerbahçe 1-3 Rangers (Europa League, Round of 16, First Leg)

• Key Trend: First competitive meeting since 2001; Rangers’ 3-1 win in Istanbul suggests early dominance. The first leg was their only recent clash, with Rangers securing a 3-1 victory. Historically, Fenerbahçe won 2-1 on aggregate in the 2001/02 Champions League qualifiers, but the current tie averages 4.0 goals, hinting at a lively second leg, though Rangers’ home defense could limit Sociedad’s comeback.

Key Players to Watch

Rangers

• Václav Černý (FWD): 6 goals in Europa League; first-leg brace hero.

• Cyriel Dessers (FWD): 9 goals, 2 assists in Premiership; first-leg scorer.

• Jack Butland (GK): 8 clean sheets in Premiership; key in net.

Fenerbahçe

• Youssef En-Nesyri (FWD): 11 goals in Süper Lig; key attacking threat.

• Dušan Tadić (MID): 4 goals, 6 assists in Süper Lig; creative spark.

• İrfan Can Eğribayat (GK): 5 clean sheets in Süper Lig; vital under pressure.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Rangers’ 4-2-3-1 (1.88 goals per game in UEL) relies on Černý’s flair and Dessers’ finishing, likely holding 52% possession at home to protect their lead, with John Souttar doubtful (calf). Fenerbahçe’s 4-2-3-1 (1.38 goals per game in UEL) leans on En-Nesyri’s scoring and Tadić’s playmaking, needing to push with 48% possession away, with Fred and Bright Osayi-Samuel suspended, and Diego Carlos out (thigh). Ibrox’s 50,987 fans will roar Rangers on, suggesting a game where Rangers’ defense and counterattacks could secure progression despite Fenerbahçe’s efforts.

Prediction: Rangers vs Fenerbahçe

Our Prediction: Total Goal - over 2.5