Rangers fans turned up at Ibrox expecting a tense clash, especially after a disappointing showing against Kilmarnock last weekend. But what they got was a performance packed with high energy, precise pressing, and, most importantly, goals. This 4-0 victory over FCSB in the Europa League had every bit of drama and redemption the fans could have hoped for. After a recent lack of pace and aggression, the big question was whether this team had the mettle to fight back. And Rangers answered in style.
Early Drama and a Lucky Break
True to Rangers fashion, we didn’t get through this match without a bit of drama. An early scare came when Butland hesitated on a simple pass-back, allowing FCSB’s David Miculescu to close him down and slot the ball into the empty net. It looked like an embarrassing start, but the referee, to our fortune, deemed it a foul on the keeper (VAR could not help as referee blew the whistle before the ball crossed the line). Watching the replay, most fans would agree it was more of a ‘get out of jail free card’ than a clear foul. But that lucky break set the stage for a night where everything would finally fall Rangers’ way.
High Tempo and Relentless Pressing: The Reaction Fans Were Waiting For
What followed was a performance Rangers fans were crying out for. From the get-go, we saw an energised Rangers team pressing high, pushing FCSB to the back foot, and dictating the tempo. Nico Raskin was back in the lineup, and it was obvious he was here to make a statement. The ball moved quickly, players were closing down fast, and the visitors struggled to find any rhythm.
Vaclav Cerny was the hero of the night, playing with creativity and flair that’s been missing in recent games. It was his quick thinking and cutback that set up Tom Lawrence for Rangers’ first goal, a shot that may not have been a clean hit but nestled into the corner nonetheless. Just like that, the confidence started to grow, and the Ibrox faithful could sense this was going to be a different night.
Cerny’s Brilliance Shines as He Nets a Double
Not long after, Cerny left the crowd buzzing with a sublime effort. Faking a move onto his favoured left foot, he duped the defender, opening up the right side for a curling shot into the far corner. It was a moment of pure class, and the stadium erupted as Rangers went up 2-0. The home side was finally showing their potential, moving with purpose, and creating chances.
A Penalty Shout and a Painful Setback
With everything going their way, Rangers even had a claim for a penalty when a Bajrami cross struck an FCSB defender’s arm. While it looked like a textbook handball, the referee waved it away, and most would agree it was probably the right call given the current rules. However, not all was rosy as Tom Lawrence suffered what looked like a knee twist just before halftime, a worrying sight for Rangers fans who’ve come to appreciate his playmaking.
Second Half Magic and Cerny’s Goal of the Match
The second half saw Rangers play with an even greater level of control. Cerny’s second goal came as part of a beautiful team move that started from the back with Butland, to Raskin who passed out wide to Tavernier, he finds Diomande in the middle. His pass around the corner landed at Cerny’s feet. Showing incredible pace and skill, he powered forward, cut inside, and sent a measured shot low into the far corner – easily the goal of the match and a perfect example of the fast, high-press style fans have been waiting to see.
Igamane Nets His First in a Night to Remember
With the game well in hand, the young talent Hamza Igamane joined the scoresheet, netting his first goal for the club. Rangers’ high press paid off once more as Barron won the ball back high up the pitch. Igamane’s close control and composure were fantastic; he kept the defender guessing before slipping the ball into the far corner, sealing an unforgettable night for the Gers.
Igamane was unlucky not to claim a second goal in the match after showing his power to hold off the defender before getting a low driven shot off which was on target, but resulted in a fine save from the FCSB keeper.
Man of the Match: Vaclav Cerny
With two goals and an assist, Cerny was the man of the match for us. His attacking intent, decision-making, and work rate set the tone, while Raskin and Barron formed a solid partnership in midfield, adding the grit that was sorely lacking against Kilmarnock. FCSB may have come with an attacking game plan, but that played right into Rangers’ hands as they thrived on the open spaces and suffocated FCSB’s build-up play. On another day, Raskin would have been MOTM given his performance.
The Road Ahead: Turning This Momentum into League Form
This 4-0 victory gives Rangers their second win in the Europa League and moves them to six points, an encouraging sign of what this team can do under Clement’s direction. However, the key now is consistency. The team must find ways to break down low-block defences, a struggle that cost them against Kilmarnock, and string together victories in the league. But for tonight, Rangers fans can revel in a dominant European performance and look forward with a renewed sense of optimism.