RANGERS 3-1 LEIPZIG; RANGERS ROUT PAST LEIPZIG TO REACH THE EUROPA FINAL.
Rangers secured their place in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) final as they overturned a first-leg deficit to superbly defeat RB Leipzig 3-2 on aggregate and 3-1 on the night at a raucous Ibrox Stadium. The Glaswegian side now progress to their first European final since 2008, where they’ll face Eintracht Frankfurt on May 18.
Looking to overturn a narrow first-leg deficit, Rangers were dealt a blow in the build-up when striker Kemar Roofe failed to recover from injury in time to make the matchday squad. Despite the setback, the ‘Gers’ came racing out the blocks in the opening ten minutes, with Ryan Jack seeing a long-range effort thwarted by Péter Gulácsi in the Leipzig goal.
Backed by the fervent home support and memories of late kitman Jimmy Bell firmly in mind, Rangers continued to press forward in pursuit of an early opener. The hosts were soon rewarded in the 19th minute when a drilled cross from Ryan Kent was converted in the six-yard box by captain and UEL top scorer James Tavernier to level the tie.
An emotionally-charged Ibrox was sent into raptures just five minutes later when Glen Kamara picked up a pass from Scott Wright before curling a sublime strike into the far corner to double Rangers’ advantage. With Leipzig clearly shell-shocked by a disastrous opening half-hour, the German side desperately tried to gain a foothold in the contest before HT, but were fortunate not to fall further behind as Joe Aribo was unable to hit the target with the goal at his mercy.
Much like the first half, it was Rangers who started the second period in control of proceedings, as Fashion Sakala glanced a good headed chance wide of the far post. The visitors, having scored at least once in all 11 of their European matches so far this campaign, looked to up the ante going into the final 20 minutes, and it was talisman Christopher Nkunku who rose to the occasion, superbly guiding a volley beyond Allan McGregor to level the tie once again.
Undeterred by the Leipzig response, Rangers demonstrated all their heart and character to swiftly regain the lead with just nine minutes left on the clock. A lofted cross from Kent was parried straight to the feet of John Lundstram, who confidently tucked the ball away to raise the Ibrox roof. With time running out, Leipzig piled on the pressure in the hope of a dramatic late goal, but the Rangers rearguard held firm to book their place in the Seville showpiece later this month.
