Versatile Super Eagles invitee partners Balogun at CB as Rangers lose again in Europa League

Published: September 30, 2021

Glasgow Rangers are faced with a mountain to climb if they are progress to the last sixteen of the UEFA Europa League following a 1-0 loss to Sparta Prague in their second Group A fixture on Thursday evening.

All three of the Light Blues' players named in the latest Nigeria squad - Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey - were handed starts by manager Steven Gerrard.

The former Liverpool captain utilized Bassey as a center back, pairing him with Balogun, as he was faced with a defensive crisis, with first choice duo Filip Helander and Connor Goldson unavailable for selection due to injury and Jack Simpson not registered for the Europa League.

The Leicester City academy product is predominantly a left-back and is also comfortable playing as a left-sided central defender.

At minute 17, Balogun missed a chance to give Rangers the lead when his downward header went off target.

Just before the half hour mark, the home team broke the deadlock through David Hancko whose angled effort went in off the far post.

Sparta Prague winger Haraslín saw his effort smash the crossbar a minute into the second half after Bassey was beaten by Minchev and seconds later Fashion Sakala's goal was ruled out for offside.

Things got worse for the Scottish Premiership champions as Kamara was dismissed for a second booking in the 74th minute, three minutes before Aribo was replaced.

Rangers, who lost their Europa League opener to Lyon, pushed for an equaliser without success, leaving them pointless after two games.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : uefa.com

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