Rangers delivered a stunning performance at Ibrox, securing a dominant 4-0 win over FCSB in the Europa League. This victory, their largest in a European competition since 2007, provided a much-needed response after a recent domestic defeat. Manager Philippe Clement’s call for consistency was answered emphatically, with winger Vaclav Cerny leading the charge in a memorable night for the Glasgow club.
Clement’s Call for Consistency Pays Off
Manager Philippe Clement had been under pressure following a disappointing weekend loss, but his pre-match message clearly resonated with the squad. He spoke about creating “habits, connections, and consistency,” urging his players to channel their frustration into a positive performance.
The team responded with an energy and determination that had been missing. Clement mentioned that the players were “sick of losing,” and their play reflected a desire to restore pride. The result not only boosts morale but also validates the manager’s approach, showing the squad’s potential when they perform as a cohesive unit.
An Electric Performance at Ibrox
From the start, Rangers played with high intensity, backed by a supportive home crowd. After an early scare that was ruled out for a foul, the team took complete control of the game. Tom Lawrence broke the deadlock with a well-placed curling shot from outside the box.
The team’s high-pressing strategy paid off handsomely. They constantly harassed the FCSB defense, forcing errors and creating numerous chances. This relentless pressure led to the second goal, with Vaclav Cerny firing a fine strike just after the 30-minute mark. The first half ended with Rangers firmly in command, having set a high tempo that the visitors simply could not match.
Cerny Steals the Show with a Masterclass
While it was a strong team effort, Vaclav Cerny was undoubtedly the star of the evening. The winger, who has faced criticism for inconsistency, delivered a performance that showcased his immense talent and impact.
- He scored two brilliant goals, one in each half.
- He provided an assist, demonstrating his creative ability.
- His constant threat left the FCSB defense in disarray.
Cerny’s second goal was a highlight, finishing off a swift counter-attack with composure and precision. The night was capped off when Hamza Igamane came off the bench to score his first goal for the club, sealing a perfect result.
Tactical Tweaks and Injury Worries
Philippe Clement made several key changes to his starting lineup, and they proved to be highly effective. Nico Raskin was brought into the midfield and dominated the center of the park, while Leon Balogun’s inclusion brought a sense of calm and stability to the defense before he was forced off with an injury.
However, the victory was not without its concerns. Several players picked up knocks, which could pose a challenge for the upcoming fixtures. Tom Lawrence was substituted at halftime with a knee issue, and both Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun also sustained injuries during the match. Clement will be hoping these are not serious as Rangers look to build on this momentum.
A Look at the Dominant Statistics
The 4-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of Rangers’ control over the match. The statistics highlight just how one-sided the contest was, particularly in attack, where the home side created a record number of chances in the first half of a Europa League game.
| Stat | Rangers | FCSB |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 2 |
| Total Shots | 15 | 5 |
| Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Goals | 4 | 0 |
This statistical dominance underscores the quality of the performance and gives the team a solid foundation to build upon for the tougher European tests that lie ahead.
