Slavia’s Olayinka Strikes To Send Aribo, Balogun, Rangers Out Of Europe

The three Nigerian internationals were involved for their respective clubs at the Ibrox on Thursday, but it was the Czech champion who led his side to victory with another fine goal on the continent

Peter Olayinka scored and outshone the duo of Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun as Slavia Prague claimed a 2-0 victory in Scotland to dump nine-man Rangers out of the Europa League.

Both teams played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week, with Steven Gerrard’s men looking to continue their impressive run in Europe’s second-tier competition with another home victory.

But Slavia, who knocked out Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City in the Round of 32, quickly showed their intent on the night with Olayinka’s opening goal after just 14 minutes.

The home side’s attempt to claw their way back into the tie was, however, punctured on the hour mark when Kemar Roofe received his marching orders for a reckless challenge on goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar.

It then got from bad to worse barely ten minutes later for the Gers as Nigerian defender Balogun also took an early shower after receiving his second yellow for a dangerous challenge on Lukas Masopust.

Nicolae Stanciu then sent a superb effort directly into the top corner from the resulting free-kick to extend the visitors’ lead.

Super Eagles midfielder Aribo then capped a forgettable performance with a late yellow card as Rangers watched their Europa League dreams go up in flames.

When the dust settles on a disappointing night, though, Rangers will reflect on an incredible campaign that has already given the side the Scottish Premiership title.

Olayinka and Slavia Prague, however, advance to the next stage of the competition after another accomplished away display.