LEON BALOGUN prayed for the Hand of God to deliver Europa League salvation for Rangers.
Sebastian Szymański had wiped out Gers’ two-goal first leg lead and Barry Ferguson’s men were in need of saving in the shoot-out.
Leon Balogun celebrates win with Jack Butland and Barry Ferguson[/caption]
Balogun with a Gers scarf around his head as he reacts to fans at full-time[/caption]
That’s when Gers star Balogun looked to the heavens and begged for divine intervention.
Keeper Jack Butland produced TWO stunning saves to deny Fenerbahce and secure the Ibrox side a place in the last eight.
The Nigerian international revealed: “I was praying for Jack, praying that God share some of his glory with him.
“He has done it. I’m just happy for Jack. He really deserves it. He’s a big character in the dressing room.
“He loves the club, cares about the boys and like I say it’s great for him to have a moment like that.
“It was tough, we made it harder for ourselves than it had to be.
“We had a couple of good moments in the first half. We could have executed better like we did last week.
“We suffered out there.
“You all saw it. But we dug in, stuck together and ground it out. It’s a great moment for Jack. He was outstanding last season.
“We have all been up and down this season and for him to come up with that display, he had a few big saves in the game too, was massive. So happy days.
“We have to take it as it is. We did the groundwork last week and knew it was going to be tough today.”
Three years after going all the way, Rangers are through to the quarter-finals.
Athletic Bilbao now lie in wait, with Gers at home first on April 10.
Ibrox is once again daring to dream and last night Balogun insisted nothing is impossible.
He stressed: “It’s special already.
“Europe for the time I have been here has always been special. It’s a phrase, but Thursday nights at Ibrox are just incredible.
“These guys in the stands never cease to amaze. They all give it their all. They don’t have it easy with everything going on outside of football plus our up and down season.
“But I can speak for everyone when I say it was for them.”
“Domestically it doesn’t look pretty so to have that raises extra energy because we know it’s all we’ve got to really get something special done.
“Tonight was amazing and I’m proud to be part of this team.”
“You always go into competitions trying to win them. I’m straight forward, you need realism, but I’ve been part of a group that’s made it to the final before.
“Nothing’s impossible.
How they rated
Jack Butland – goalie hardly had a thing to do until he was given no chance at Fenerbahce opener. Left exposed when Szymanski smashed home his second of the night too. Important late extra-time save 8
James Tavernier – right centre-back of the three again. Caught out by deflected cross at Fenerbahce opener then failed to block Szymanski’s second. Crucial block then late goal saving intervention and free-kick saved 7
**John Souttar – immense in Istanbul and aggressive from the off again last night. Booked for hauling back Talisca and will miss first leg of quarter-final. Won second half header but lacked power 8
Leon Balogun – started with Propper on bench after the head knock he suffered in first leg. Took out Talisca as he threatened to break to land booking on half hour but stayed disciplined 7
Dujon Sterling – impressed as sub in first leg and replaced Yilmaz for first start since January 5. Landed harsh booking 25 minutes in then let cross in that led to opener. Hooked on 55 5
Nico Raskin – started well, breaking beyond the lines and snapping into tackles. Kept energy up after break to win challenges and make key passes in important role in both halves of the pitch 8
**Mohamed Diomande – took up some good positions but final pass often let him down. Booked after ref bought Mert Muldur dive to count him out of next round. Well timed challenge inside box in second half 6
Connor Barron – gave Fenerbahce midfielders no time on ball. Dropped in to cover defensively and was in right place at right time. Late cross inches away from Hagi. Extra-time exit with cramp 7
Jefte – lucky when caught Talisca on line of penalty box but fellow Brazilian was booked for dive instead. Villain at second goal when went to ground and failed to stop ball in. Subbed in formation change 5
Vaclav Cerny – first leg goal hero was lively again. Sliced chance then lashed one from distance into the side netting. Didn’t see enough of ball second half but extra-time effort brilliantly saved 7
Cyriel Dessers – scored one in Istanbul and saw two chalked off for offside fewer chances last night. Handful for Skriniar but booked on stroke of half-time. Mistimed hooked volley in second half then subbed 5
SUBS: Ridvan Yilmaz (5) sent on early in second half. Late strike then booked for dissent, Hamza Igamane (3) great shot clawed away but too often picked wrong option Nedim Bajrami (5) low shot saved then smashed high and wide, Ianis Hagi (3) inches from sliding home then booked, Tom Lawrence (3) extra-time arrival.
“You need a bit of luck, we earned that today, and let’s see what the next round brings. It’s not going to get easier.
“But if we don’t come from a place of belief we might as well pack our bags. If you look at us closely we’re not about that.”
Before Bilbao, Rangers have the small matter of a trip to Celtic Park on Sunday.
Domestically, Gers’ season is over.
Yet in Europe they continue to defy the odds with Balogun vowing tiredness WON’T play a part at Parkhead.
The Gers star said: “This should give us loads of belief. We still have lots to improve. We can’t shy away from that.
“On the ball we were a bit sloppy and not brave enough at times.
“It will be a different game again, they will rub their hands thinking we are going to be tired.
“But we showed some really big character there.
“We have to bring that into the game on Sunday as well and make sure we represent the badge well.
“You don’t have time to recover.
“That’s the schedule , there’s enough people and organisations out there who try to change something about it.
“You just have to deal with it. We have a big squad.
“If players need a rest, so be it.
“Everyone wants to be involved in an Old Firm and we will do our best to be in the best shape on Sunday.
“This speaks for the character of the group. We have been criticised a lot and often deservedly.
“But there’s more quality in this group than people give us credit for. It’s on us to show it more consistently then the perception will probably change as well.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
