Europa League: Super Eagles stars Aribo, Bassey, Balogun help Rangers advance past Borussia Dortmund

The return match of this compelling contest produced almost as many fireworks as the first leg, but it is the Gers who progress on aggregate

Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo and defenders Calvin Bassey Ughelumba and Leon Balogun made positive contributions as Rangers drew 2-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate to make it to the Europa League’s Round of 16 on Thursday night.

The Gers held a two-goal advantage heading into the tie after securing a remarkable 4-2 win over the same foe in Germany last week.

Still, Gio van Bronckhorst’s men were the underdogs in this second leg and knew they needed another massive result against the rampant Germans to advance. 

And captain James Tavernier handed them a great start when he scored from the spot after forward Ryan Kent was tripped.

But Dortmund, despite being without the prolific Erling Haaland, showed their attacking quality by striking twice through Jude Bellingham and Donyell Malen to earn a slight half-time lead.

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun came off the bench at the interval, replacing Borna Barisic and allowing compatriot Bassey to move from centre-half to left-back.

And the tactical switch bore fruits moments later as the home side levelled proceedings shortly after, with Bassey essentially creating the equaliser.

The Nigerian youngster did superbly well to barrel down the left wing and swung in a cross that World Cup-winner Mats Hummels missed with a swing, allowing Tavernier to smash the ball home.

Kent then thought he had completed the comeback for Rangers, but the referee, after consulting VAR, controversially chalked off his effort for an earlier Alfredo Morelos foul on Emre Can.

It mattered little in the end, though, as the Light Blues held on to claim a historic aggregate win over one of German football’s leading lights.