Balogun: A Big Thing To Grab Win

LEON BALOGUN was delighted to help Rangers beat a strong Lech Poznan side and collect three valuable Europa League Group D points at Ibrox Stadium last night.

The Nigerian international again put in a solid performance alongside Connor Goldson in the centre of Steven Gerrard's defence as the Light Blues increased their impressive unbeaten run this season to 17 games, with 15 wins and two draws, against Dariusz Zuraw's side.

Balogun also featured in the Gers' 2-0 away victory over Standard Liege last week and he was thrilled the team was able to build on that result with another fine European display against Lech.

He said: "We kind of made it a big thing to get the three points out of this game because we knew how massive it would be and I think everybody is happy that we accomplished that, because it wasn't an easy game. They are not a pushover.

"We played a really, really good side and you could see that against Benfica as well. So yeah, it's a massive win and it definitely puts us in a good position for the rest of the group stage.

"Again there is still no need to get carried away, but I think definitely that was a big step forward for us."

The Light Blues will now take on Benfica in Portugal next week before the Eagles travel to Ibrox on November 26 for a matchday four showdown.

With both teams currently on six points in Group D, Balogun is relishing the double header. He said: "Nobody will go in there with fear. If at all, probably with respect, which we actually have for every team.

"Those teams have qualified for Europe not because they are just some team. Benfica, we all know about the strength of that club, but I don't think we have to hide or anything.

"Definitely those last two games [against Standard Liege and Lech Poznan] gave us confidence, rightfully so, and we have a good management staff and they are going to prepare us well.

“We go into the games with Benfica to win them, there is no point going into the game just to participate. We want to win if possible and I think we are going to have a match plan next week that will show us ways to do that.

"Then it is on us on the pitch to put that into life and breathe life into that plan."

Balogun, who has now made seven appearances this term, has been impressed with the quality of the Rangers squad and the competition for places since he joined the club in July.

“Competition always is something that normally should improve a team, and I think we have great depth in the squad," he added.

"You can see that there is no loss of quality no matter who plays and I think that is something we can pride ourselves on and we still have to utilise.

"As I said before the season is long for us and we want to play as many games as possible with the Europa League obviously going on.

"It's very welcome this competition because it can give us an advantage if you can sometimes rest some of the legs to get them up and going for another game coming up. So I think it's an asset for us actually."

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