Rangers put on a show at Ibrox with a vibrant 4-0 win against FCSB, delivering their biggest European victory since 2007. Manager Philippe Clement, facing mounting pressure after the weekend’s dismal loss to Kilmarnock, urged his squad to focus on performance—and they delivered. A sharp display, driven by a standout performance from winger Vaclav Cerny, earned the Glasgow side a much-needed morale boost.
Clement’s Call for Consistency Bears Fruit
“Creating habits, connections, and consistency” was the message Clement delivered before the game, and Rangers followed through with an electrifying performance. The Belgian manager emphasized that the team was “sick of losing” and highlighted how Sunday’s defeat had taken a toll on everyone involved.
- Tom Lawrence opened the scoring early, taking advantage of questionable goalkeeping to give Rangers the lead.
- Vaclav Cerny was unstoppable, bagging two goals and an assist, and leaving the Romanian side’s defense scrambling.
- Hamza Igamane sealed the deal with his first goal for the club, capping off an impressive all-round team effort.
The result not only restored some pride but also underscored the squad’s potential. Clement acknowledged the progress, though he admitted there’s more work to be done. “There’s a lot we can improve on,” he said post-match. “But you can see there’s potential in this squad.”
High-Octane Football Returns to Ibrox
The home crowd, still reeling from recent disappointments, backed the team from the outset. They were momentarily stunned when Jack Butland nearly gifted FCSB an early goal, but the referee’s whistle for a foul brought a sigh of relief.
Rangers’ response was electric. Tom Lawrence found the net with a curling shot from the edge of the box, setting the tempo. Cerny’s fine strike from the final third made it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark, rewarding the team’s high-pressing play.
By the second half, Rangers were in full control. Cerny added his second goal after a sweeping counter-attack, showcasing both composure and class as he slotted past FCSB’s keeper. The game was capped off by Hamza Igamane, whose footwork and finish earned him his first Rangers goal.
Tactical Changes That Turned the Tide
Clement’s tweaks paid off in style. Midfielder Nico Raskin and defender Leon Balogun were drafted into the starting lineup, replacing players who struggled at Rugby Park. Raskin, described as “a man possessed,” helped Rangers dominate the midfield, while Balogun brought calm to the backline, reinforcing the defense before coming off injured.
But it was Cerny who stole the show. The winger, who has faced criticism for inconsistency, delivered an unforgettable performance. His two goals and an assist showed just how impactful he can be when in form.
Key changes like Igamane’s introduction after 57 minutes also bore fruit, as he managed more touches than Cyriel Dessers, showing his ability to make an impact up front. “We need to create more hunger to get better and better,” Clement noted after the game, indicating that while the performance was impressive, there’s more to come from this team.
Rangers Show Resilience Amid Growing Injuries
Although the performance was stellar, there were injury concerns. Tom Lawrence, who scored the opener, was substituted at halftime due to a potential knee issue. Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun also picked up knocks, which could pose a challenge as Rangers look to build on this result.
Despite those concerns, Rangers’ European campaign is looking solid. Six points from three matches leave them in a good position to progress, although tougher tests are ahead. Clement remains cautiously optimistic. “I’d have loved points against Lyon, but I think we’re on track in Europe,” he said.
The win will also help alleviate some of the tension surrounding Clement’s leadership. The manager, who is still relatively new to the Scottish football scene, is tasked with steering the club back to glory, and a commanding European victory will go a long way toward silencing some critics.
Match Statistics Reflect Dominance
A look at the numbers shows just how commanding Rangers were in this fixture.
| Stat | Rangers | FCSB |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Target | 9 | 2 |
| Total Shots | 15 | 5 |
| Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Goals | 4 | 0 |
The 4-0 scoreline reflected not just efficiency but also total control, with Rangers attempting 15 shots in the first half alone, a record for them in the Europa League.
Next Steps: Tougher Tests Ahead
While the victory against FCSB provides a boost, Rangers will face sterner opposition in the remaining Europa League games. Clement emphasized that the team is still in a building phase, aiming for more consistency in their performances.
As for the fans, the prospect of young talents like Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane stepping up to the plate is a cause for excitement. With the backing of an energized Ibrox crowd, Rangers can look forward to the challenges ahead.
