Aribo effort not enough as Rangers lose against Bayer Leverkusen

Gbenga Adewoye

Aribo effort not enough as Rangers lose against Bayer Leverkusen image

Joe Aribo featured for Rangers in their 3-1 loss to in Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg Round of 16 of their Europa League game on Thursday night.

The Nigeria international was afforded his 14th appearance in the tournament this season and was deployed to an unfamiliar right-wing role. 

The 23-year-old gave a good account of himself in the encounter, winning two aerial contests and had a 71% successful pass rate before he was replaced in the 54th minute by Florian Kamberi.  

Goals from Kai Havertz, Charles Aranguiz and Leon Bailey handed the German side a massive first-leg advantage and rendered George Edmundson’s strike a consolation.

Aribo, who joined the Gers last summer, has been a consistent performer for his side, featuring in 44 games across all competitions.

The midfielder has been key to the success of the Gers this campaign, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists amid other dazzling displays.

Second-placed Rangers will square off against Premiership leaders Celtic on Sunday before facing Leverkusen in the second leg on March 19.

 

Gbenga Adewoye