Europa League: Cyriel Dessers strikes again as Rangers stun Fenerbahce in Turkey

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers scored and nicked an assist in Rangers' 3-1 win over Fenerbahce in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League game on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Dessers returned to action with Rangers for their Europa League clash on Thursday. Recall that the Super Eagles star has been in hot form recently, scoring three goals in his last two appearances for the Gers. As such, Barry Ferguson tasked him with leading Rangers' assault.

Going into the game, Fenerbahce were the slight favourites, but they were shocked as the Gers had a dream start, as they got the lead after just seven minutes of action. Dessers received a fine pass from Mohammed Diomande and struck a well-placed shot to make it 1-0.

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun did not start the game, but he was introduced in the 26th minute after Robin Propper sustained an injury.

Just four minutes later, Alexander Djiku scored the equalizer for the Turkish giants. However, three minutes before the break, Dessers turned provider supplying a brilliant assist to Vaclav Cerny, who scored the second for Rangers.

Rangers took their 2-1 lead into the break, but they started the second on a strong note. Dessers thought he had given them the lead six minutes into the break, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Dessers put the ball in the net again seven minutes later, but it was ruled out for offside. Fenerbahce probed hard for an equalizer, but they just lacked the cutting edge in the end.

Cerny scored again in the 81st minute to seal the 3-1 win for Rangers. Dessers played the entire 90 minutes and was one of the best players on the pitch. He put himself about and gave the Fenerbahce defenders a tough time.

Cyriel Dessers needs to produce a similar performance in Glasgow

Rangers cannot afford to rest on their oars now as Fenerbahce will come out with their guns blazing in the second leg.

Cyriel Dessers will also need to be at his best to breach Fenerbahce's backline again. If he can produce a similar performance in the second leg, the Gers will likely progress to the quarterfinals.