Europa: Iheanacho, Balogun impressive as Leicester, Rangers win their first leg duels

Leon Balogun and Kelechi Iheanacho were impressive as Rangers and Leicester City won their first duels against Red Star Belgrade and Rennes respectively in the Europa League round of 16 event.

Balogun netted in the 51st minute to make it 3-0 after heading in a corner.

It is Balogun’s second goal in all competitions this season with his first strike coming on 21st October, 2021, in a 2-0 home win against Brondby.

Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey were also in action with the former going off with 15 minutes left in the game.

James Tavernier opened the scoring in 11 minutes before Alfredo Morelos got the second on 15 minutes.

Red Star had a chance to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty but Allan McGregor made a brilliant save to keep the score 2-0.

And in the Europa Conference League, Kelechi Iheanacho netted a late goal as Leicester beat Rennes 2-0 in their first leg round of 16 fixture.

The Super Eagles star, who came off the bench in the 62nd minute, scored in the third minute in added time with a beautiful curler to seal the win for the Foxes.

Marc Albrighton has given Leicester the lead on the half-hour mark.

Iheanacho’s Nigerian teammates Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman were also in action.