Europa league (21-22) The euphoria of victory - The agony of defeat -

On a steamy evening in Sevilla, coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Rangers were the first to strike with a curled left-footed beauty from Joe Aribo. The Europa League trophy looked to be in the grips of the Scottish team half an hour before the final whistle when Rafael Borré, the Columbian poacher, stabbed the ball in the net, sandwiched between two Glasgow defenders.

The Drama unfolded until the dying minute of the game with a miraculous save by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp on an effort from Ryan Kent .

It all came down to the dreaded penalty shootouts to see the germans win it...Again! (5-4)

Kevin Trapp kept out Aaron Ramsey's penalty in the shoot-out as Frankfurt triumphed. Frankfurt have won their first European trophy for 42 years following a pulsating 1-1 draw.

Key moments

20': McGregor makes fingertip save from Knauff
26': Aribo fires just wide from edge of area
57': Aribo pounces for opener after Tuta's slip
69': Borré prods in Kostić cross to equalise
118': Trapp denies Kent with leg in dying moments
Pens: Trapp saves only penalty of shoot-out from Ramsey

James Thorogood, Frankfurt reporter

A historic night for Frankfurt as they pick up their first major European trophy in 42 years to become the first German side to win this competition in the Europa League era. In an emotionally charged encounter that had all the hallmarks of a nervy final between two relatively inexperienced sides, it ultimately came down to who could hold their nerve in the shoot-out. And what better way for Frankfurt to redeem themselves for their painful semi-final loss in 2018/19 as they triumphed on spot kicks to join Chelsea and Villarreal in winning the tournament with an unbeaten record. It is a night that will live long in the memories of both fans and players.

Alex O'Henley, Rangers reporter

The cruelty and joy of penalty kicks. It wasn't to be for Rangers and ended in particular disappointment for Ramsey, whose miss proved decisive in the shoot-out. It's a case of so near, so far for the Light Blues, but they can be proud of a remarkable rollercoaster ride in which they beat two Bundesliga sides on the road to Seville. Unfortunately, they couldn't do it a third time in the final and must now regroup for a Scottish Cup showpiece and the Champions League qualifiers next season.

Published by

Claude Djaquis

ivorycoastttribune 18/05/2022