Leon Balogun on target as Rangers smash Red Star in UEL
Aribo, Bassey also shine in Ibrox as Rangers move close to last eight
Leon Balogun celebrated his Super Eagles return with a well-taken goal as Rangers hammered Red Star Belgrade 3-0 in front of their own fans in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.
Balogun was included in the starting line-up along with fellow Super Eagles stars Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo. The Germany-born star had missed out on the Super Eagles squad to AFCON, but was included on the list for the playoffs against Ghana.
Rangers wasted no time in opening the scoring as in-form right back James Tavernier scored the opener from the spot in the 11th minute after Ryan Kent had been fouled in the box.
The Scottish champions soon doubled their advantage through Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos in the 15th minute. The powerful striker volleyed home from inside the box to give his side a good buffer after only quarter of an hour.
Rangers added a third in the 51st minute as Leon Balogun rose highest to thump home a header following a cross by Englishman Tavernier from a corner kick.
The trio of Leon Balogun, Bassey and Aribo were impressive for Rangers at home as they managed to secure a huge advantage going into the second leg in Belgrade.
