Rangers delivered a statement performance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Romanian side FCSB at Ibrox, bouncing back from recent domestic disappointments in emphatic fashion. This Europa League triumph provided much-needed relief for manager Philippe Clement, who had been under increasing pressure following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership just days earlier.
The win, which lifted Rangers to six points from their three Europa League group stage matches, showcased the attacking prowess and defensive resilience that had been missing in recent games. The standout performances from Tom Lawrence, Vaclav Cerny, and Hamza Igamane not only secured the points but also reinvigorated the team’s confidence ahead of their crucial upcoming fixtures.
Early Pressure Relieved by Lawrence’s Opener
Heading into the match, Rangers were acutely aware of the importance of getting a result, particularly with criticism mounting after a series of underwhelming performances in domestic competition. Manager Philippe Clement made a few tactical adjustments to his starting lineup, with Leon Balogun replacing Robin Propper in defense and Nico Raskin stepping in for the injured Mohamed Diomande.
The early moments of the match saw a nervy start for the home side, with Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland almost conceding a goal within the opening two minutes. FCSB’s David Miculescu pounced on a moment of indecision from Butland, slotting the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed after the referee signaled for a foul. This early scare seemed to jolt Rangers into action.
Midfielder Tom Lawrence wasted no time in calming the nerves of the home crowd. In the 10th minute, after a well-executed cut-back from Vaclav Cerny, Lawrence found space inside the box and fired a low shot past FCSB goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu. While Tarnovanu got a hand to the ball, the shot had too much power and pace, finding its way into the back of the net to give Rangers an early 1-0 lead.
This goal provided the confidence boost Rangers needed. The players responded to the early pressure with composure, taking control of possession and dictating the tempo of the match.
Cerny’s Brilliance Leads to Double Strike
Vaclav Cerny was the star of the night for Rangers, delivering a performance full of flair, precision, and ruthless finishing. The Czech international, currently on loan from Wolfsburg, was a constant threat to FCSB’s defense, with his ability to exploit space and create opportunities proving decisive.
In the 32nd minute, Cerny doubled Rangers’ lead. Capitalizing on a defensive error by FCSB, he received the ball just outside the penalty area, turned his marker with ease, and curled a beautifully struck shot into the bottom corner of the net. Tarnovanu, despite a full stretch dive, had no chance of stopping the well-placed effort.
With a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into halftime, Rangers were firmly in control of the game. Philippe Clement’s tactical setup had worked perfectly, as the team’s pressing and high-energy style left FCSB with little opportunity to establish any rhythm.
Rangers started the second half in similar fashion, continuing to press high up the pitch and force mistakes from their Romanian opponents. Cerny added his second goal of the night just minutes after the restart, cutting inside from the left and driving into the box before firing a precise shot into the bottom corner. His quick footwork and intelligent movement created the space needed to finish clinically, sealing his brace and extending Rangers’ lead to 3-0.
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Igamane’s First Goal Adds Gloss to the Victory
With the game effectively won, Clement made several substitutions, including the introduction of Hamza Igamane in the 65th minute. Igamane, a summer signing from Moroccan side AS FAR, has been easing into the team but seized his moment to shine in this European fixture.
In the 71st minute, Igamane added the final goal of the night, putting the result beyond any doubt. The striker received a perfectly weighted pass from Connor Barron inside the box, jinked his way past FCSB defender Joyskim Dawa with some clever footwork, and coolly slotted the ball past the helpless Tarnovanu to make it 4-0. This was Igamane’s first goal for Rangers since his summer arrival, and the fans at Ibrox erupted in celebration.
Igamane’s goal was the icing on the cake for what had been a thoroughly dominant Rangers performance. His contribution not only capped off a perfect night for the team but also hinted at the potential impact he could have for the club as the season progresses.
FCSB’s Struggles and Team Selection Controversies
FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, entered the match with notable absentees, including suspended captain Darius Olaru and injured vice-captain Adrian Sut. These missing key players, coupled with the six changes made to the lineup from their previous domestic fixture, left the Romanian side looking disjointed and unable to cope with Rangers’ intensity.
There had been speculation ahead of the match regarding whether FCSB owner George “Gigi” Becali had influenced team selection. Manager Elias Charalambous made several adjustments, bringing in players like Malcom Edjouma and Alexandru Pantea, but the changes did little to alter the outcome of the match.
Despite their efforts, FCSB was unable to mount any meaningful response to Rangers’ dominance and were ultimately overwhelmed by the home side’s attacking prowess.
Looking Ahead: Rangers Eye St Mirren Clash
With this comprehensive Europa League victory, Rangers have taken a significant step toward progressing to the knockout stages of the competition. The result lifts them to six points from three group stage matches, putting them in a strong position moving forward.
However, there is still work to be done. While the win over FCSB provided a confidence boost, manager Philippe Clement acknowledged that the team must continue to improve as they prepare for their next Scottish Premiership fixture against St Mirren.
The Rangers faithful will hope that this result serves as a turning point in their season, both domestically and in Europe. If the team can carry this momentum into their upcoming matches, they will undoubtedly continue to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts.
For now, though, this 4-0 triumph over FCSB represents a much-needed return to form and a reminder of the quality that Rangers can produce when firing on all cylinders.
