Jack Butland described Rangers’ dramatic penalty-shootout win in the UEFA Europa League as one of the most memorable nights of his career. The goalkeeper played a crucial role in securing the team’s place in the quarter-finals, making two vital saves in the shootout after the match ended 3-3 on aggregate following extra time.
Speaking to RangersTV after the game, Butland reflected on the significance of the moment.
“That’s what you work for as a goalkeeper—these are the moments you dream about,” he said. “Not everyone gets to experience it in front of a fanbase like ours. This was as special a night as I’ve had in football, and hopefully, there are more to come.”
A Hard-Fought Battle
Rangers faced a tough opponent, but Butland praised the team’s determination and the unwavering support from the fans.
“The atmosphere tonight was incredible from start to finish. It’s always difficult to go behind in a game, but we stayed mentally strong. The boys stuck to the task and showed great character,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges Rangers faced, including conceding again after halftime, but emphasized the team’s fighting spirit.
“We deserved this win. People can talk about possession, but in both legs, we showed resilience. These are the moments football is all about, and I really enjoyed it.”
Praise for Team Mentality
Butland credited the squad’s mindset and manager Barry Ferguson for instilling a winning mentality.
“That performance summed up the manager’s approach perfectly,” he said. “You’ve seen it in how we’ve played in Europe all season—that determination and belief.
“It has been an emotional and demanding few weeks, but that’s what it means to play for Rangers. You work hard, and you get your rewards, and tonight was proof of that.”
For Butland, the victory was especially sweet as a goalkeeper.
“Penalty shootouts are great when you’re on the winning side, and tonight was no different,” he said. “But I told the lads—it wasn’t just about the penalties. The work rate, the effort, and the football we played at times were outstanding. We deserved this.”
With their place in the Europa League quarter-finals secured, Rangers will now set their sights on continuing their European journey.
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