Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun has urged his teammates to remain focused and not underestimate Fenerbahce ahead of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 second-leg clash on Thursday. Despite holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, Balogun warned that facing a Jose Mourinho-led team is never an easy task.
Balogun, who has been a key player for Rangers, emphasized the importance of taking it one game at a time, especially with a crucial Old Firm derby against Celtic looming on Sunday. “It’s a big week with two perfect fixtures. Obviously, Fenerbahce is first up, and we had a very good result over there, but we’re going against the Special One with some very good players, and I think it’s far from over,” Balogun said.
The Nigerian defender also highlighted Mourinho’s tactical prowess, saying, “He wouldn’t have been happy at all after the tie over there, but I think there’s a lot of confidence for us to take, and we can probably up our game in terms of on the ball.” Balogun’s warning is timely, given Rangers’ impressive European record in recent years, including reaching the final of the tournament in 2022.
Rangers have been consistent in Europe, becoming the only Scottish side to have secured an away win over the last 20 years following their victory in Turkey last week. With Balogun’s words of caution ringing in their ears, the Gers will look to finish the job against Fenerbahce and advance to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.