UEFA Europa Final: Eintracht Frankfurt wins 6-5 beating Rangers
Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Rangers 6-5 in the final of the UEFA Europe League after a thrilling penalty shootout in Seville, where they won 5-4
22. Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers in the UEFA Europa League final at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in SevilleThe Rangers already have a spot in the Champions League Group Stage, but their opponent needed a win to feature in Europe next season. However, the chance to book a group stage spot trumps the former's current entry at the third qualifying round after finishing runners-up in the Scottish Premiership. The score was 1-1 as the match crossed its 90-minute mark and none of the teams budged even during extra time. However, Frankfurt proved to be the stronger.
Despite Frankfurt starting strong, the Rangers slowly established more control by the 18th minute. Both sides endured a goalless first half, but the Rangers eventually picked more pace 50 minutes into the game. Rangers even survived a VAR penalty check after Connor Goldson seemed to foul Rafael Santos Borre. Due to minimal contact, the referee continued the play. The club broke the goalless streak as Tuta slipped, allowing Joe Aribo to score the match's first goal. Frankfurt then fought back, and Rafael Borre made the shot at the near post from close range, using a low ball played into the box.
Penalty Shootout: Aaron Ramsey's costly miss
None of the strikes made by both teams ever fell on target. Borna Barisic made a central shot well saved by Trapp before Hrustic dragged a low shot just past the post from 25 yards. That happened to be the 29th shot in this game between the teams. The first win went to the Rangers, who won the toss and chose to take the spot-kick in front of the German supporters. James Tavernier, Steven Davis, Scott Arfield, and Kemar Roofe scored for the Rangers.
On the other hand, Aaron Ramsey's ball couldn't get past Kevin Trapp, which caused the Rangers' downfall. Meanwhile, the heroics of Ajdin Hrustic, Christopher Lenz, Rafael Borre, Kemar Roofe, Filip Kostic, and Daichi Kamada helped the team secure a win. Eintracht Frankfurt, the 1980 UEFA Cup winners, have not reached this stage of a continental competition ever since.