Fenerbahçe aim to clip Rangers’ wings in Europa League last 16 tie
Baku, March 6, AZERTAC
Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahçe will look to extend their formidable unbeaten run when they host the Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 showdown on Thursday at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul, Daily Sabah reports.
The Istanbulites, riding an 18-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, booked their spot in the knockout rounds with a commanding 5-2 aggregate victory over Anderlecht in the playoffs.
The Yellow Canaries finished 24th in the new 36-team league phase, but their resurgence under Mourinho has reignited hopes of a deep European run.
The Turkish giants head into this clash fresh off a dominant 3-0 league win over Antalyaspor, with Mert Müldür, Dusan Tadic and Youssef En-Nesyri all finding the net inside the opening half-hour.
That victory, achieved without Mourinho on the touchline due to suspension, kept them within four points of Süper Lig leaders Galatasaray.
Now back in the dugout, Mourinho is chasing his second Europa League crown after guiding Manchester United to glory in 2016-17.
Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, are hoping their high-profile Portuguese manager can lead them past the last 16 for the first time since 2012-13, when they reached the semifinals.
They have history on their side against Scottish opponents, remaining unbeaten in four European encounters (one win, three draws).
Their lone triumph came in a 2-1 aggregate win over Rangers in a 2001 Champions League qualifier.
Rangers, however, arrive in Istanbul seeking redemption after a bruising domestic setback.
Round of 16 ties are as follows:
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham
FCSB vs Lyon
Fenerbahçe vs Rangers
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Bodø/Glimt vs Olympiacos
Roma vs Athletic Club
Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio
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