Calvin Bassey, Aribo help Rangers bounce back against Motherwell after Leon Balogun's clumsy red card

The Super Eagles duo of Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo were impactful substitutes for Rangers in their Scottish Premiership league game against Motherwell on Saturday.

Rangers travelled to Fir Park on Saturday for their final league match of the regular season against fifth-placed Motherwell with Leon Balogun in the starting XI.

Despite Balogun's 20th-minute red card, the Giovanni van Bronckhorst-led side were able to pick a convincing 3-1 victory courtesy of goals from Liam Kelly (OG), Scott Wright, and James Tavernier (P).

Rangers started the match on the front foot, going ahead as early as the 14th minute as the Gers forced an own goal out of Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

The first half quickly turned sour for Rangers starting with Leon Balogun's red card for a challenge on Dean Cornelius in the 20th minute. 

Calvin Bassey replaced Balogun in the centre of defence but Rangers could not immediately react to the numerical disadvantage as Ross Tierney grabbed an equaliser for Motherwell in the 35th minute.

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After the halftime break, Rangers retook control of the match with Scott Wright sending the Glasgow club into the lead as early as the 47th minute. 

Rangers captain James Tavernier extended the incumbent champions' lead in the 62nd minute with a perfectly taken penalty.

Tavernier has now scored 10 goals from the penalty spot for Rangers in all competitions during the 2021/22 season.

Joe Aribo was a 68th-minute substitute for Rangers, replacing Glen Kamara in midfield as Van Bronckhorst's side sought to close down the match. 

Aribo had a tidy game against Motherwell, completing both of his attempted dribbles, winning three (3) of his seven (7) duels while completing 83.3% of his passes. 

Bassey was also solid in defence, producing three (3) clearances, winning one (1) of the two (2) duels he was involved in, and completing 86.7% of his passes as Rangers controlled the game.

Rangers' victory was their 24th of the season in the league but the defending champions stand three (3) points behind league leaders Celtic despite having played a game more. 

Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey are up for the Rangers Player of the Year Award for the 2021/22 season after being nominated by the club for the award.