Rangers FC are taking a 3-0 advantage over Red Star into the second leg.
Katai had two early goals ruled out for offside on either side of Tavernier’s brilliant penalty.
Morelos then volleyed in a second with just 15 minutes on the clock.
Consequently, McGregor also made a great save to deny Katai’s spot-kick at the other end in the first half.
After the break, Balogun thumped Tavernier’s corner to secure the win.
Ben thought he’d pulled one back late on. However, Red Star was once again denied by the offside flag.
Starting Lineup:
RANGERS FC STARTING XI (4-2-3-1): Allan McGregor;
James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey;
Ryan Jack, John Lundstram; Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, Ryan Kent;
Alfredo Morelos.
RED STAR STARTING XI (4-2-3-1): Milan Borjan;
Cristiano Piccini, Strahinja Erakovic, Aleksandar Dragovic, Milan Rodic;
Slavoljub Srnic, Sekou Sanogo;
Aleksandar Katai, Guelor Kanga, Mirko Ivanic;
Ohikhuaeme Omoijuanfo.
Goals:
TAVERNIER SCORES! It’s a lovely penalty to put Rangers 1-0 up! The captain steps up curls a brilliant spot-kick right into the top right corner of the net. Borjan dives the wrong way, but even if he hadn’t, there was no chance of that one being saved.
MORELOS SCORES! The corner is taken short to Jack, but his floated cross is straight at Erakovic in the middle. His header drops nicely for Morelos, though, and he hits his volley out of Borjan’s reach and into the bottom corner. 2-0 Rangers.
BALOGUN SCORES! It’s a good corner from Tavernier, and Balogun towers above everyone in the box with his leap. However, He thumps his header back towards the near post, beating Borjan to nestle in the corner. 3-0 Rangers.
So, what’s next for Rangers and FK Crvena Zvezda?
It’s an excellent lead for Rangers to take into the second leg, which will take place in Belgrade next Thursday.
Before that, they’re in Scottish Cup action against Dundee.
Meanwhile, Red Star’s 16-game unbeaten run is brought to an end with this loss, and they face Metalac in the Serbian Superliga before the return game.
In conclusion, the Rangers can look forward to the next round in Europa League.
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