'It's a massive game' - Rangers' Super Eagles star ahead of UCLQ showdown with Malmo

Published: August 10, 2021

It's a huge day for Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers as they aim to qualify for the UEFA Champions League playoff round on Tuesday night.

Steven Gerrard's side battle Allsvenskan champions Malmo at Ibrox Stadium, with Nigeria internationals Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun named in the starting lineup and a third player of Nigerian descent in Calvin Bassey among the substitutes.

Aribo stressed that him and his teammates are well prepared for tonight's clash against Malmo, who have in their ranks Innocent Bonke.

Speaking to Rangers TV just before kickoff, Aribo said : "We know it's a massive game and the boys are up for it, we're buzzing through it and we just can't wait to start going.

"We had to dust ourselves off from last game but we're ready to go."

Aribo has had European experience since joining Rangers, totaling an impressive 24 games in the Europa League and Europa League qualifying rounds over two seasons.

It gives the Super Eagles midfielder confidence heading into the fixture against Malmo, especially with a sold-out crowd expected to cheer on from the stands.

"I think going off the back of last season and season before, I remember the game against Braga and how buzzing we were to have the fans with us, to have them back today we're just going to be buzzing for it and it's going to give us another boost going into this game," Aribo added.

With the away goals rule not coming into play for all UEFA club competitions as from this season, Rangers must score one goal without reply to take the game to extra-time, having lost 2-1 in the first leg.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

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