Nigerian Midfielder Joe Aribo played the final 18 minutes of the UEFA Europa League second-leg tie against Sporting Braga on Wednesday as Rangers confirmed their place in the round of 16.
Aribo replaced Ianis Hagi in the 72nd minute as The Gers secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the Braga Municipal Stadium to progress 4-2 on aggregate.
⏰ HALF-TIME ⏰
🔸 Matheus saves Hagi penalty just before the break
🔸 Chances for Kamberi, Kent & Paulinho#UEL— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 26, 2020
Hagi had missed a first-half penalty to give Steven Gerrard’s side the lead, but he turned provider for Ryan Kent’s winner.
🔜 @EuropaLeague Round of 16.pic.twitter.com/5JxIvsR3iH
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 26, 2020
Last season they were eliminated in the group stages, falling behind Villarreal and Rapid Wien to finish third.
Rangers have only previously won the competition once, back in the 1971-72 season as the Cup Winners’ Cup.
Gerrard and his Players will now await the round of 16 draw which will be held on February 28.