Europa League: Aribo Assist Rangers To Semifinal As Frankfurt Stun Barcelona In Camp Nou

Europa League: Aribo Assist Rangers To Semifinal As Frankfurt Stun Barcelona In Camp Nou

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

Christopher Nkunku was the man of the show again as his two goals ensured Leipzig eliminated Atalanta 3-1 on aggregate in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Following a 1-1 draw in Germany, the second leg in Italy was all to play for but Christopher Nkunku stepped up where it matters home to deliver a masterpiece performance as his side entered another European Club competition semifinal.

Christopher Nkunku scored in either (18', 87') half as RB Leipzig picks one of the semifinal tickets.

A poor night in Camp Nou as Barcelona stumbled to a 3-2 home loss to Frankfurt.

After securing a 1-1 draw away in Germany, Barcelona looked the favorite to pick the semifinal ticket between the two especially after their recent form but it was all about Filip Kostic who took it upon himself scoring twice in either half (4' P, 67') and assisting the other as Frankfurt ran to a 3-0 lead against their host who eventually rallied to pull two back towards the end of the game.

Rafael Santos Borre (36') scored the 3rd for Frankfurt while Sergio Busquets (90+1') and Memphis Depay (90+11') scored for Barcelona in the night as they lost 3-2 at home to Frankfurt and 4-3 on aggregate.

Elsewhere, West Ham ends Olympique Lyon's run in the Europa League smacking them 3-0 in their backyard.

After failing to win in front of their fans in London, the Londoners stun their host 3-0 in France with Craig Dawson (38'), Declan Rice (44') and Jarrod Bowen (48') all responsible for the goals.

It ended 4-1 between the two in favour of West Ham.

Finally, Rangers needed the extra time to go past stubborn SC Braga in the quarterfinal.

It was Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo who James Tavernier for Rangers first goal of the night in the 2nd minute.

James Tavernier then put the Gers on course for the semifinal when he scored his brace of the evening from the penalty spot in the 44th minute but David Carmo pulled one back for SC Braga in the 83rd minute, a goal which levelled the scores at 2-2 aggregate after the regular time.

The game proceeded to the extra time and again Joe Aribo who played the entire game with his heart assisted Kemar Roofe for Rangers 3rd of the night in the 101 minute. That was eventually the last goal of the encounter as Rangers won 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.

With all set for the semifinals, Rangers will face RB Leipzig in the first semifinal first in Germany before returning to Scotland for the second leg.

The second semifinal will see West Ham host Frankfurt in England before paying them a visit in Germany.

First leg will be played on the 28th of April and the return leg on the 5th of May.