Aribo, Balogun, Bassey help Rangers end 14-year continental jinx

The Scottish champions took advantage of their huge first-leg win to advance to the last eight of the Europa League 

Rangers lost 2-1 at Red Star Belgrade on Thursday evening in the second leg round of 16 contest of the Europa League but the Gers advance to the next phase of the competition on a 4-2 aggregate.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men progress to the quarterfinals, having secured a 3-0 advantage at the Ibrox Stadium last week.

Mirko Ivanic gave Red Star Belgrade a 10th-minute lead but Ryan Kent’s effort moments into the second half restored parity, before a late El Fardou Ben Nabouhane penalty gave the night’s victory to the home side. 

As with the first leg, four players of Nigerian were on the pitch at kickoff, with Red Star Belgrade parading Ohi Omoijuanfo while Rangers dressed Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun, and Calvin Bassey.

Balogun netted the crucial last goal at the Ibrox in the first leg in the 3-0 thumping of the Serbians, and he was once again massive for the visitors at the heart of the defence.

More details shortly.