LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Chris Sutton wowed by penalty from Rangers left-back Borna Barisic

Add as preferred source on Google

Rangers secured a memorable 4-3 win last night over Royal Antwerp, as they gained an advantage in the first leg of the European tie.

Steven Gerrard’s side were involved in a thriller during the Europa League Round of 32 tie, coming away from it with four away goals against the Belgian opposition.

The Gers trailed 2-1 at half time after Joe Aribo’s opener was cancelled out by a quick-fire double from Antwerp in the final stages of the first half.

But a superb individual goal from Ryan Kent, coupled with two Borna Barisic penalties in the second half secured a victory.

Barisic stepped up to take two spot-kicks in the second half, as captain and regular penalty taker James Tavernier was forced off with a worrying injury midway through the first half.

Pundit Chris Sutton was wowed by the composure Barisic showed with his penalties, especially the winning goal in the 90th minute that he powered in.

The £18,000-a-week (Salary Sport) left-back was certainly a cool head from 12 years.

“I have to say Barisic’s second penalty. Pressure on. Absolutely stunning,” Sutton told BT Sport 2 (11:05pm, 18 February).

Royal Antwerp FC v Rangers FC - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg One
(Photo by Jasper Jacobs/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

TBR’s View:

Barisic, 28, was emphatic with his two penalties against Antwerp and showed he’s more than up for that job moving forward.

Despite the triumph of winning in Europe and taking a decent stride towards the last 16 of the Europa League, it came at a huge cost with Tavernier’s injury.

It will be an anxious wait for supporters and manager Gerrard to hear the extent of the problem, plus there was also another injury blow to attacker Kemar Roofe.