By Daily sports on August 7, 2020

Bayer Leverkusen ended Rangers’ 13-month Europa League journey from the first qualifying round to the last 16 with a straightforward win in Germany.

Leading 3-1 from the first leg at Ibrox on 12 March, Peter Bosz’s side were rarely troubled in an empty BayArena.

Kai Havertz hit the bar, slid a shot wide, and had an effort saved but it was Moussa Diaby’s alert run and finish that broke the deadlock.

The Germans now face Inter Milan in Monday’s quarter-final in Dusseldorf.

Rangers – with Brandon Barker starting ahead of Ianis Hagi – looked to trouble the team that finished fifth in the Bundesliga on the break. But opportunities were scarce.

A heavy touch by Alfredo Morelos spurned an early opening, and it was 21-year-old German international Havertz who went closest in the first half, clipping Allan McGregor’s crossbar with an angled snapshot and sliding a shot narrowly wide when one on one with the Rangers goalkeeper.

Leverkusen, playing their first match since losing the German Cup final to Bayern Munich on 4 July, were tidy in possession and threatened with balls through Rangers’ central defence.

Had it not been for a Filip Helander block from Florian Wirtz’s shot after a four-on-three attack, Rangers would have trailed at the break.

Diaby broke the stalemate in 51 minutes when he scampered clear of James Tavernier and on to a Charles Aranguiz ball before finishing high past McGregor.

The veteran goalkeeper used his left foot to save superbly from Havertz soon after before Rangers’ best chance – Connor Goldson having a header cleared off the line by Edmond Tapsoba.

That was as good as it got for Gerrard’s side, though, as a campaign that began with a win over St Joseph’s in Gibraltar on 9 July last year fizzled out. (BBC)

•PHOTO: Bayer Leverkusen players 

Source Daily sports

Posted August 7, 2020

Bad Start For Vieira As Chelsea Crush Crystal...

Rolls Royce Awaits Saudi Arabia Players

LMC Warns NPFL Clubs Against Night Travel

Nigerian Footballer Is First Sportsman In The World...

Barca President Laporta Backs Under-Fire Koeman

Union Coach Fischer Leaves Team Camp Ahead of...