Cyriel Dessers just can’t stop scoring. The Nigerian striker continued his hot streak with another stellar performance, inspiring Rangers to a commanding 3-1 Europa League victory over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe on Thursday night.
Dessers not only found the net early but also set up a crucial goal, though VAR controversially denied him a hat-trick, Footballrover reports.
Cyriel Dessers delivers again as Rangers stun José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe
Rangers wasted no time in making their presence felt at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
A defensive lapse from Fenerbahçe proved costly, and Dessers pounced on the opportunity in the 6th minute.
Set up by Mohammed Diomande, he kept his composure inside the box and fired a precise shot into the bottom right corner, silencing the home crowd.
He then took things up a notch with an audacious celebration—recreating Mauro Icardi’s iconic pose right in front of the Fenerbahçe fans.
His compatriot Leon Balogun was also part of the big win, entering the game in the 28th minute after an injury forced Robin Propper off.
However, just moments later, Fenerbahçe struck back. Alexander Djiku capitalised on a rebound inside the box, acrobatically finishing to level the score.
Rangers refused to be rattled. As the half neared its end, a moment of brilliance saw Dessers turn provider.
He delivered a pinpoint pass to Vaclav Cerny, who clinically dispatched a low strike into the net, restoring Rangers’ lead at 2-1 before halftime.
VAR drama denies Cyriel Dessers his hat-trick
The second half began with Rangers pressing for a third goal. In the 51st minute, Dessers looked to have done just that, pouncing on a rebound inside the box and rifling home.
But VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for an offside in the buildup.
Just minutes later, the Nigerian forward thought he had finally secured his brace. A slick move saw Jefte square the ball to him, and Dessers delivered a brilliant finish into the bottom left corner.
However, VAR struck again, denying him yet another goal for the same offside infringement.
Despite the frustrations, Rangers refused to let up. In the 81st minute, Cerny produced a dazzling solo run before smashing Rangers’ third goal, sealing a memorable victory.
Cyriel Dessers, who was on the receiving end of VAR’s harsh calls, received a standing ovation as he was subbed off in the 88th minute.
A statement performance for the Super Eagles star
This latest performance extends Dessers’ impressive form. He now has 21 goals and five assists this season, including four in his last three games.
His red-hot form couldn’t have come at a better time, as he remains in contention for a spot in Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for the World Cup.
At 30, Cyriel Dessers continues proving he belongs at the highest level, and after his latest Europa League brilliance, Rangers fans will be hoping there’s even more to come.
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