by In a dramatic Europa League clash on March 13, 2025, Rangers advanced to the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout against Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho. Despite Fenerbahçe overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit to level the aggregate score at 3-3, Rangers’ goalkeeper, Jack Butland, emerged as the hero by saving two penalties in the shootout, securing his team’s progression.
The match was fraught with controversy, particularly concerning the officiating. Mourinho was visibly frustrated by the referee’s decisions and the lack of VAR intervention in several key moments. He claimed that Fenerbahçe were denied three clear penalties, stating, “We did everything to win. The ref and the VAR decided that we should go to penalties.” He further expressed his team’s dominance, saying, “We were the best team by far.”
This is not the first time Mourinho has been vocal about officiating in European competitions. He hinted at a possible bias against him following past incidents, remarking, “I hope everything that’s happened to me in European competitions is not a consequence of the Budapest final and I hope it’s just random.” He referenced a previous suspension and questioned whether it might be influencing current decisions against his teams.
The match itself saw Fenerbahçe’s Sebastian Szymański score twice, leveling the aggregate score and pushing the game into extra time. Both teams had opportunities to clinch victory, but it ultimately came down to penalties, where Rangers held their nerve. Interim manager Barry Ferguson praised his team’s resilience, stating, “The boys dug deep and this is the reward you get, it’s what the fans deserve.”
Rangers will face Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals, aiming to salvage their season through European success after a challenging domestic campaign.
