Borna Barisic stood out as Scottish Premiership giants Rangers got their Europa League campaign up and running with a thrashing of St Joseph’s.
There was no repeat of that humiliating Celtic defeat in 2016 when another of Scotland’s giants travelled to Gibraltar this week.
While Brendan Rodgers’ side infamously lost away to Lincoln Red Imps, Rangers eventually made easy work of a St Joseph’s side who threatened an upset in the first half before the difference in class shone through after the interval.
Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo marked a superb debut with a lovely goal while Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos also got on the score sheet in a 4-0 blitz. The strike of the night, however, belonged to Borna Barisic – even if it only just crossed the line.
Shortly after the Croatian international left-back set up Rangers’ opener with a gorgeous clipped cross for Jack to fizz home, he whipped an inch-perfect free-kick into the corner with St Joseph’s goalkeeper failing to prevent it from registering.
In fact, it was the sort of second-half display which reminded every Rangers fan why Barisic was signed for £2.2 million last summer (BBC). He struggled badly at times during his debut season in Ibrox but the supporters are backing him to respond in style.
His left foot remains one of the most destructive weapons in Rangers’ attacking armoury.
Barisic deserves it for the quality of the free kick alone.
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