Nigeria international, Joe Aribo made his first start for Rangers since he last featured for Super Eagles in the clash against Sierra-Leone two-legged tie after a minor injury as his Scottish table-topping side stroll past polish opponents in the Europa League to top their group ahead of Benfica undefeated.
Winning the section – and this match – has delivered a financial lift of almost £1.5million to the Ibrox bank balance. In terms of sporting prestige, finishing above Benfica can only be seen as a hugely creditable feat.
Rangers will also now be seeded when they enter Monday’s last 32 draws. It could be an important distinction. After coming through this group with a mighty haul of 14 points, they can rightly harbor confidence about further progression.
A seventh European win out of nine this term was achieved by a starting line-up showing no fewer than seven changes from Sunday’s 4-0 Premiership romp past Ross County and the return of Aribo much to the boost of Gerrard’s midfield options.
