Leon Balogun has lauded Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland following the team’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce.
After surrendering a lead due to a brace from Sebastian Szymański, Rangers held their nerve to secure a 4-2 triumph on penalties, with Butland making two decisive saves.
Reflecting on the result, Balogun expressed his admiration for the goalkeeper’s heroics. “I was praying for Jack, that God would give him some of his glory,” the Nigerian defender told the Scottish Sun.
“He did it. I’m just happy for Jack. He really deserves it. He’s a big presence in the dressing room. He loves the club, cares about the guys, and it’s great that he’s had a moment like this.”
Tough Battle on the Pitch
The Rangers defender acknowledged that the match had been far from straightforward. “We made things difficult for ourselves,” Balogun admitted. “We had some good moments in the first half, but we could have executed better, just like last week. We suffered on the pitch.”
Despite the challenges, the team remained resolute. “Jack was exceptional last season,” Balogun continued. “This season has had its ups and downs, but his performance tonight was enormous.”
A Testament to Rangers’ Resilience
Balogun emphasized the significance of the squad’s perseverance, crediting their previous work in preparation for the challenge. “We knew it would be tough today, but the effort we put in last week played a key role,” he concluded.
The victory serves as a confidence boost for Rangers as they continue their campaign, with Butland’s heroics proving instrumental in securing a hard-fought win.