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Record Sport Online

Rangers player ratings as lightning Leon Balogun outshines Red Star at both ends

Rangers produced another outstanding Europa League performance to see off Red Star Belgrade and put one foot in the quarter-finals.

Ibrox witnessed another special European night that began with a belting James Tavernier penalty.

Two well-worked corner kicks did further damage with Alfredo Morelos and then Leon Balogun piling on the pain for the Serbian visitors in a 3-0 win.

It gives Giovanni van Bronckhorst a huge advantage to take over to Red Star's famous white-hot Marakana.

His team had a few hairy moments over the 90 – with Red Star denied three times by VAR when they had the ball in the back of the net and by Allan McGregor from the penalty spot.

But all in all it was a deserved victory and here's how the Rangers players rated.

Rangers player ratings

ALLAN McGREGOR: In his 98th European appearance made an absolutely stunning penalty save to deny Katai and at the age of 40 continues to defy time and strikers in equal measure - 8

JAMES TAVERNIER: Coolness personified as he stuck away the penalty that gave his side the perfect start. Combined offensive and defensive duties with equal effect and his delivery into the box was deadly - 8

CONNOR GOLDSON: The ever-reliable centre back had to be on his toes with Katai and the switch to a back three helped him gain more control and he more than played his part - 7

LEON BALOGUN: Nigerian international was given the nod to utilise his pace at the centre of the defence and he used to it to great effect with a strong, confident display topped off with a goal - 9

CALVIN BASSEY: Given a massive vote of confidence by his manager with his inclusion ahead of Barisic and revelled in his partnership on the left with Kent. Excellent at the back and going forward - 8

RYAN JACK: Gers fans would have sighed with relief at the sight of the midfield general on the teamsheet and although he gave away a penalty his calmness and control in midfield was essential - 7

JOHN LUNDSTRAM: Rested at the weekend but the midfielder, who has been in great form, started in midfield then slotted into the heart of the back three within 20 minutes. Another top display - 8

GLEN KAMARA: The Finn has been getting back forward more in recent weeks and got into a great position at the end of a flowing move that should have ended with Rangers’ third goal - 7

JOE ARIBO: Deployed on the right side of the front three with licence to drift, initially, but dragged back inside Tavernier when the tactical switch was made and did plenty of good work off the ball - 7

ALFREDO MORELOS: Took his goal brilliantly and yet again thrived in the high octane atmosphere of a huge European night. Occupied defenders and put himself about to great effect - 7

RYAN KENT: Was a big ask for him to repeat his blistering form that destroyed Dortmund but won another penalty and was involved in several moments of magic that simply couldn’t be contained - 8

Substitutes

FASHION SAKALA: Replaced Joe Aribo for the last 15 minutes and did his best to take the pressure of his defence - 3

JAMES SANDS: The young American came on for Ryan Jack, who had been booked, and slotted into the holding role in midfield - 3

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