Europa League
Aleksandar Dragovic and Red Star Belgrade are on the verge of losing after a 3-0 loss in the Europa League. Glasgow Rangers were a size too big in Thursday’s round of 16 first leg. Three goals by the Serbs did not count because of offside. Thursday was also disappointing for FC Barcelona, who were held to a goalless draw against Galatasaray Istanbul at home in Camp Nou.
In Glasgow, Dragovic’s defensive struggled with the flexible Scots. The goals came from standard situations. Goals from James Tavernier (11th/penalty) and Alfredo Morelos made it 0-2 after just 15 minutes. Red Star goalscorer Aleksandar Katai failed with a penalty at 40-year-old Allan McGregor (24). After the break, Leon Balogun made the final score (51st).
Barcelona celebrated unprofitable field superiority for a long time and rarely became compelling enough against defensive Turks. Goalie Inaki Pena, on loan from Barcelona, was able to excel in isolated phases of pressure. The chances of a home win for the Catalans would have been there. Frenkie de Jong failed on the bar after a template by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (75th).
De Jong hits the bar
Barcelona were close to a goal. Frenkie de Jong was just inches away from making the Catalans celebrate.
The other encounters on Thursday ended with home wins. Four-time Europa League winners FC Sevilla defeated West Ham 1-0 with a goal from Barcelona loan Munir (60th). Braga against Monaco ended 2-0. Atalanta won 3-2 against Bayer Leverkusen in Bergamo. Luis Muriel scored twice (25th, 49th).
