How Cyriel Dessers Reacted to Bruno Fernandes’ Late Winner That Dashed Rangers’ Hopes
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has voiced his disappointment after his stunning equaliser for Rangers was overshadowed by a last-minute strike from Bruno Fernandes in their Europa League match against Manchester United.
In a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Rangers were trailing 1-0 after former United goalkeeper Jack Butland scored an own goal early in the second half. However, Dessers responded with a brilliant equaliser late in the match, and it seemed like he had earned his side a valuable point.
But Fernandes had other plans, as he scored a dramatic winner in extra time, securing a 2-1 victory for United and leaving Rangers heartbroken.
“It is difficult to take at the end, especially with the rollercoaster of emotions in the final moments,” Dessers said after the match, according to the Rangers website. “At first, you think you’re going to leave Old Trafford with a point, then it slips away, and that hurts.”
Despite the tough loss, Dessers praised his team’s performance, particularly given the number of injuries they had going into the match.
“We can be proud of how we played,” he added. “We had a few injuries before the game and picked up more during it, so young players had to step in. They did an unbelievable job, showing great work ethic, courage, and determination. For some of them, it was only their second or third game at this level, and they impressed.”
Dessers concluded by acknowledging the challenge of facing a top team like Manchester United, but expressed his disappointment at not getting the result his team deserved.
“We thought we had earned a point against a very good team, but it hurts to lose like that in the end,” he said.
