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The Nigerian duo Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey shone brilliantly in Glasgow Rangers 3-1 Europa League quarterfinal win against Sporting Braga on Thursday night at Ibrox, Megasportsarena.com reports.
The Scottish side qualified for the semifinals 3-1 on aggregate after a quick-fire start to the match, thanks to a Joe Aribo-inspired move.
Gers got their first goal following Joe Aribo’s inviting flick into the path of captain James Tavernier at the back-post and he fired beyond Matheus to give Rangers the early lead.
Rangers almost made it 2-0 and Aribo was involved yet again. The Nigerian midfielder found James Tavernier – who made another good run to the back post – but this time his effort was just wide of the post.
Another huge chance came the way of Rangers as the game passed the half-hour mark. Tavernier delivered a fantastic corner into the box which was flicked on by Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey before Kemar Roofe struck a powerful shot towards goal but the crossbar denied the striker as it rattled back off the woodwork.
With less than five minutes to half-time Rangers were awarded a penalty as Calvin Bassey lifted a long ball over the top to send Kemar Roofe through on goal. The Jamaican international was brought down by Vitor Tormena as he looked to get a shot away and the referee pointed to the spot with the defender shown a straight red card.
It was James Tavernier who stepped up to the spot and the captain showed his calmness under pressure to slot beyond Matheus and give Rangers the aggregate lead for the first-time in this quarter-final tie.
Into the second-half, Joe Aribo got busy once again. He curled a left-footed shot just wide of Mateus’ post as the Light Blues looked to increase their advantage.
With 20 minutes remaining, Gers once again had the ball in the back of the net as Joe Aribo found the run of Kemar Roofe to send him through on goal. The striker beat Mateus’ but the linesman raised his flag for offside as the ball crossed the line.
It was Rangers who got the all-important breakthrough in extra time, Glen Kamara picked the ball up at the byline and found Joe Aribo. The Nigerian fired a dangerous ball across the face of goal and Kemar Roofe was on hand to poke the ball home from close range and swing the tie back in Rangers’ favour.
The third Nigerian involved in the match was Leon Balogun, who came on in the 90th minute to strengthen Gers defence as they pile more pressure on their opponents.
Rangers saw out the final stages of extra time to book their place in the UEFA Europa League Semi-Finals where they will face RB Leipzig.
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