Rangers 3-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League last 16 was a breath-taking tie as the match had everything. One sliding doors moment however has prompted Red Star coach Dejan Stankovic to make a big change ahead of the second leg.
Rangers were 2-0 up against the Serbian champions, who had already had two goals disallowed for offside thanks to the assistance of VAR before they received a penalty on the 24th minute.
Aleksandar Katai was the man to step up and take it, hoping to make up for his two goals being ruled out as Ibrox held its breath. Facing the penalty was Allan McGregor, who managed to make an incredible save to divert the penalty away for a corner and the Ibrox side never looked back.
The Gers further established their advantage at the beginning of the second half when Leon Balogun scored the third goal and despite Red Stars’ best efforts, the match finished 3-0.
Red Star Belgrade coach Dejan Stankovic confirms surprising move ahead of Europa League clash against Rangers
Following the missed penalty, Stankovic has made a bold move and has removed Katai from penalty duties. Explaining that Ohi Omoijuanfo will now be taking spot-kicks.
“Ohi will kick penalties,” said Stankovic [Nogomania].
“If our penalty rate is at 50 percent, that’s a serious ailment, imagine what the statistical problems are.
“I hope that in the future our players will be calmer.
“They should come to the ball peacefully and score, so Ohio will now kick penalties.”
This move might not faze the likes of McGregor who will feel confident saving a penalty regardless of who takes it, but these are interesting comments ahead of a crucial second leg.
There is a genuine belief that Rangers can progress to the last eight of a major European competition for the first time since 2008 and the remaining two months of the campaign are looking very interesting indeed.