Rangers beat Crvena Zvezda in the Europa League first leg on Thursday night, and Big Leon scored the game-winning goal.
Rangers went into the second leg with a three-goal lead over Red Star Belgrade thanks to Leon Balogun’s goal.
With his defensive and attacking efforts, the 33-year-old earned man of the match accolades as the Gers secured a vital home victory.
With a header in a 3-0 win over Red Star Belgrade, the Super Eagles defender scored his second goal in the UEFA Europa League this season.
? @LeonBalogun was thrilled to score our third goal in tonight's #UEL first leg.
Read full match reaction from Balogun ?
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 10, 2022
After first-half goals from Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos, the Nigeria centre-back met James Tavernier’s corner-kick with a header in the 51st minute, securing a crucial first-leg lead for the Scottish giants.
Balogun now has two goals in six Europa League games, including his first goal against Brondby in October.
Explosive header from Leon Balogun! ?
That's THREE for Rangers and Ibrox is alive!#UEL pic.twitter.com/PvxieAZafL
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 10, 2022
The defender was a rock in the back for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, and his efforts contributed to a clean sheet.
Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey also played, but only Aribo was substituted in the 75th minute with Zambian star – Sakala replacing him.