- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
-
Contact the PP Team
Frankfurt crowned Europa League 2021/22 champions after defeating Rangers 5-4 on penalties [#58]
- Thread starter MenInG
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
Steven Gerrard says Rangers must "wake up right now" after Alfredo Morelos' goal avoided a sobering Europa League play-off draw with Alashkert at Ibrox.
The last time the Armenian champions visited Glasgow in 2018, they were beaten 3-0 by a Celtic side who played 79 minutes with a man short.
On Thursday, Rangers had John Lundstram sent off before Morelos secured a narrow advantage to take to Yerevan.
"The first-half performance was nowhere where I needed it," the manager said.
"The players listened to what I had to say at half-time and we got a reaction and went on to win, but we should have made this game so much more comfortable.
"We're in competitions and we're at a club where you can't afford to be where we are right now."
Having lost home and away to Malmo in Champions League qualifying, and to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, the momentum expected from last season's first league title in 10 years is in danger of being squandered by Gerrard's side.
However, Morelos' reliability on the continental stage puts them within touching distance of the Europa League group stage for the fourth season running.
It was Rangers who created the early chances, with Ianis Hagi firing wide and Ryan Kent's shot clipping the crossbar.
However, fellow midfielder Lundstram was sent off just before the break for his second yellow card within the space of 10 minutes.
It could have swung the momentum in favour of the side who needed an extra-time goal to dispose of Wales' Connah's Quay Nomads in Champions League qualifying.
Instead, the half-time introduction of Scott Wright in place of Kent brought Morelos more into the play and the Colombian had an overhead kick cleared from in front of goal - then sent a header just wide.
When captain James Tavernier's ball over the top of the visiting defence put Morelos in the clear, it was third time lucky for the striker.
With Alashkert failing to muster an attempt on target despite their man advantage, Rangers should head into Thursday's return leg confident of progress.
The last time the Armenian champions visited Glasgow in 2018, they were beaten 3-0 by a Celtic side who played 79 minutes with a man short.
On Thursday, Rangers had John Lundstram sent off before Morelos secured a narrow advantage to take to Yerevan.
"The first-half performance was nowhere where I needed it," the manager said.
"The players listened to what I had to say at half-time and we got a reaction and went on to win, but we should have made this game so much more comfortable.
"We're in competitions and we're at a club where you can't afford to be where we are right now."
Having lost home and away to Malmo in Champions League qualifying, and to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, the momentum expected from last season's first league title in 10 years is in danger of being squandered by Gerrard's side.
However, Morelos' reliability on the continental stage puts them within touching distance of the Europa League group stage for the fourth season running.
It was Rangers who created the early chances, with Ianis Hagi firing wide and Ryan Kent's shot clipping the crossbar.
However, fellow midfielder Lundstram was sent off just before the break for his second yellow card within the space of 10 minutes.
It could have swung the momentum in favour of the side who needed an extra-time goal to dispose of Wales' Connah's Quay Nomads in Champions League qualifying.
Instead, the half-time introduction of Scott Wright in place of Kent brought Morelos more into the play and the Colombian had an overhead kick cleared from in front of goal - then sent a header just wide.
When captain James Tavernier's ball over the top of the visiting defence put Morelos in the clear, it was third time lucky for the striker.
With Alashkert failing to muster an attempt on target despite their man advantage, Rangers should head into Thursday's return leg confident of progress.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
When is the Europa League draw?
The draw for Uefa's secondary club competition, the Europa League, will take place on Friday at 12:00 BST in Istanbul.
The competition has been reduced from 48 to 32 teams this year and teams will be divided into four pots depending on their club coefficient and drawn into eight groups of four.
No sides from their own association can be drawn against each other.
This season's final will take place in Seville, Spain on Wednesday, 18 May.
The draw for Uefa's secondary club competition, the Europa League, will take place on Friday at 12:00 BST in Istanbul.
The competition has been reduced from 48 to 32 teams this year and teams will be divided into four pots depending on their club coefficient and drawn into eight groups of four.
No sides from their own association can be drawn against each other.
This season's final will take place in Seville, Spain on Wednesday, 18 May.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
Scores for Thursday 26th August
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
Leicester will face Napoli, Spartak Moscow and Legia Warsaw in Group C of the 2021-22 Europa League.
West Ham will play Dinamo Zagreb, Genk and Rapid Vienna in Group H.
Scottish champions Rangers have been drawn against Lyon, Sparta Prague and Brondby in Group A, while Celtic are in Group G with Bayer Leverkusen, Real Betis and Ferencvaros.
In the the Europa Conference League, Tottenham will play Rennes, Vitesse and NS Mura of Slovenia in Group G.
The first group stage matches will take place on Thursday, 16 September, while the final round of fixtures are due to be completed on 9 December.
This year's Europa League final will take place in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville on Wednesday, 18 May. The inaugural Europa Conference League final will take place at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Wednesday, 25 May.
Leicester finished fifth last season to qualify for the Europa League for the second successive year, while West Ham secured a top-six finish to secure their place in the group stage for the first time.
The Foxes reached the last 32 of the Europa League last season before losing 2-0 on aggregate to Slavia Prague, who eliminated Rangers in the next round.
Steven Gerrard's side were beaten by Malmo in the Champions League third qualifying round earlier this month to drop into the Europa League qualifying play-off, where they edged past Armenian side Alashkert to clinch a group stage place in European football's second tier event for the fourth consecutive season.
Celtic have also reached the group stage for the fourth year in a row after surviving a second-leg scare to beat AZ Alkmaar 3-2 on aggregate.
Tottenham overturned a first-leg deficit against Pacos de Ferreira to reach the group stage of Uefa's new third-tier European competition after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.
Before the draws were made, Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno was voted Europa League Player of the Season 2020-21 ahead of Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani.
Europa League Draw in full
Group A: Lyon, Rangers, Sparta Prague, Brondby
Group B: Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, Real Sociedad, Sturm Graz
Group C: Napoli, Leicester, Spartak Moscow, Legia Warsaw
Group D: Olympiakos, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Royal Antwerp
Group E: Lazio, Lokomotiv Moscow, Marseille, Galatasaray.
Group F: Braga, Red Star Belgrade, Ludogorets, Midtjylland
Group G: Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic, Real Betis, Ferencvaros
Group H: Dinamo Zagreb, Genk, West Ham, Rapid Vienna
Europa Conference League draw in full
Group A: LASK, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Alashkert, HJK Helsinki
Group B: Gent, Partizan, Flora Tallinn, Anorthosis Famagusta
Group C: Roma, Zorya Luhansk, CSKA Sofia, Bodo/Glimt
Group D: AZ Alkmaar, CFR Cluj, Jablonec, Randers
Group E: Slavia Prague, Feyenoord, Union Berlin, Maccabi Haifa
Group F: FC Copenhagen, PAOK, Slovan Bratislava, Lincoln Red Imps
Group G: Tottenham, Rennes, Vitesse, NS Mura
Group H: Basel, Qarabag, Kairat Almaty, Omonoia
West Ham will play Dinamo Zagreb, Genk and Rapid Vienna in Group H.
Scottish champions Rangers have been drawn against Lyon, Sparta Prague and Brondby in Group A, while Celtic are in Group G with Bayer Leverkusen, Real Betis and Ferencvaros.
In the the Europa Conference League, Tottenham will play Rennes, Vitesse and NS Mura of Slovenia in Group G.
The first group stage matches will take place on Thursday, 16 September, while the final round of fixtures are due to be completed on 9 December.
This year's Europa League final will take place in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville on Wednesday, 18 May. The inaugural Europa Conference League final will take place at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Wednesday, 25 May.
Leicester finished fifth last season to qualify for the Europa League for the second successive year, while West Ham secured a top-six finish to secure their place in the group stage for the first time.
The Foxes reached the last 32 of the Europa League last season before losing 2-0 on aggregate to Slavia Prague, who eliminated Rangers in the next round.
Steven Gerrard's side were beaten by Malmo in the Champions League third qualifying round earlier this month to drop into the Europa League qualifying play-off, where they edged past Armenian side Alashkert to clinch a group stage place in European football's second tier event for the fourth consecutive season.
Celtic have also reached the group stage for the fourth year in a row after surviving a second-leg scare to beat AZ Alkmaar 3-2 on aggregate.
Tottenham overturned a first-leg deficit against Pacos de Ferreira to reach the group stage of Uefa's new third-tier European competition after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.
Before the draws were made, Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno was voted Europa League Player of the Season 2020-21 ahead of Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani.
Europa League Draw in full
Group A: Lyon, Rangers, Sparta Prague, Brondby
Group B: Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, Real Sociedad, Sturm Graz
Group C: Napoli, Leicester, Spartak Moscow, Legia Warsaw
Group D: Olympiakos, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Royal Antwerp
Group E: Lazio, Lokomotiv Moscow, Marseille, Galatasaray.
Group F: Braga, Red Star Belgrade, Ludogorets, Midtjylland
Group G: Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic, Real Betis, Ferencvaros
Group H: Dinamo Zagreb, Genk, West Ham, Rapid Vienna
Europa Conference League draw in full
Group A: LASK, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Alashkert, HJK Helsinki
Group B: Gent, Partizan, Flora Tallinn, Anorthosis Famagusta
Group C: Roma, Zorya Luhansk, CSKA Sofia, Bodo/Glimt
Group D: AZ Alkmaar, CFR Cluj, Jablonec, Randers
Group E: Slavia Prague, Feyenoord, Union Berlin, Maccabi Haifa
Group F: FC Copenhagen, PAOK, Slovan Bratislava, Lincoln Red Imps
Group G: Tottenham, Rennes, Vitesse, NS Mura
Group H: Basel, Qarabag, Kairat Almaty, Omonoia
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Tonight's scores:
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Updated group standings:
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Tonight's scores:
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
As West Ham took a significant stride towards the Europa League knockout stage with a 3-0 victory over Genk, forward Jarrod Bowen said "teams will be fearing us".
Rangers produced one of their most complete performances of the season, says manager Steven Gerrard, by easing Brondby aside 2-0 at Ibrox to revive their Europa League knockout hopes.
Rangers produced one of their most complete performances of the season, says manager Steven Gerrard, by easing Brondby aside 2-0 at Ibrox to revive their Europa League knockout hopes.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Substitute Jamie Vardy had a penalty saved as Leicester were held by Spartak Moscow in a 1-1 draw that leaves their hopes of qualifying from Europa League Group C in the balance.
West Ham are into the Europa League knockout stages despite a late Tomas Soucek own goal that saw them draw 2-2 with Genk in David Moyes' 1,000th match as a manager.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
West Ham secured their place in the Europa League last 16 with a 2-0 win against Rapid Vienna in a match played behind closed doors in Austria.
Leicester City saw off Legia Warsaw 3-1 to leap to the top of Group C and put themselves in pole position to reach the Europa League knockout stage with one game remaining.
A brace from Alfredo Morelos gave Giovanni van Bronckhorst a debut 2-0 victory as Rangers manager and sent his side into the Europa League knockout round at the expense of Sparta Prague.
Celtic's hopes of Europa League progression were extinguished after a late collapse condemned them to a 3-2 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Brendan Rodgers said he does not "even know" what the Europa Conference League is after his Leicester side were demoted to the competition following their 3-2 Europa League defeat at Napoli.
A youthful West Ham side ended their Europa League group campaign with a 1-0 home loss to Dinamo Zagreb.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is satisfied with how his "brave" Rangers side are picking up his style of play after they earned a creditable Europa League 1-1 draw in France against Lyon.
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
Erm! LOL
I sort of get his point though, when I first saw the competition advertised this season I didn’t know what it was either.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
The draw for the play-off round:
Rangers have been drawn to face Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League knockout round play-offs.
The Scottish Premiership champions were seeded for Monday's draw after they progressed to the first knockout stage of UEFA's secondary competition by finishing as runners-up to Lyon in the group phase.
Borussia Dortmund, who sit second in Bundesliga, were one of eight teams to drop out of the Champions League, having finished behind Ajax and Sporting Lisbon in Group C.
The draw represents a tough challenge for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side, with Norway striker Erling Haaland and England midfielder Jude Bellingham in the Dortmund squad.
The two teams have only met twice in competitive fixtures, playing out two draws in the group stages of the 1995/96 Champions League.
This season's new format means that the eight group winners, including West Ham, directly advance to the round of 16 to be played in March.
The other standout knockout round play-off tie sees Barcelona against Napoli.
Barcelona failed to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2003-04, when the La Liga side competed in the UEFA Cup.
Napoli, winners of the competition in 1989, progressed from a Europa League group which included Leicester, who they beat 3-2 in the final group game in Naples.
Rangers have been drawn to face Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League knockout round play-offs.
The Scottish Premiership champions were seeded for Monday's draw after they progressed to the first knockout stage of UEFA's secondary competition by finishing as runners-up to Lyon in the group phase.
Borussia Dortmund, who sit second in Bundesliga, were one of eight teams to drop out of the Champions League, having finished behind Ajax and Sporting Lisbon in Group C.
The draw represents a tough challenge for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side, with Norway striker Erling Haaland and England midfielder Jude Bellingham in the Dortmund squad.
The two teams have only met twice in competitive fixtures, playing out two draws in the group stages of the 1995/96 Champions League.
This season's new format means that the eight group winners, including West Ham, directly advance to the round of 16 to be played in March.
The other standout knockout round play-off tie sees Barcelona against Napoli.
Barcelona failed to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2003-04, when the La Liga side competed in the UEFA Cup.
Napoli, winners of the competition in 1989, progressed from a Europa League group which included Leicester, who they beat 3-2 in the final group game in Naples.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
Kroll
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2017
- Runs
- 10,229
- Post of the Week
- 1
Wow, what a result for Rangers. Absolutely brilliant!
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Rangers earned an incredible 4-2 first-leg victory at Borussia Dortmund to put themselves firmly in the driving seat for a Europa League last-16 place.
Ferran Torres scored a penalty as Barcelona rescued a 1-1 draw in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie against Napoli at the Nou Camp.
Ferran Torres scored a penalty as Barcelona rescued a 1-1 draw in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie against Napoli at the Nou Camp.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Rangers completed one of their greatest European triumphs after dumping German giants Borussia Dortmund out of the Europa League in an epic 10-goal tie.
Barcelona put in an impressive performance to beat Napoli 5-3 on aggregate and reach the Europa League last 16.
Russian side Zenit St Petersburg had a last-minute goal disallowed by the video assistant referee as they were knocked out of the Europa League by Real Betis.
Barcelona put in an impressive performance to beat Napoli 5-3 on aggregate and reach the Europa League last 16.
Russian side Zenit St Petersburg had a last-minute goal disallowed by the video assistant referee as they were knocked out of the Europa League by Real Betis.
Gotta give it to Rangers here taking care of a classy side like Dortmund. Ibrox can be a very intimidating place for any visiting side as would have been the case yesterday evening. Celtic having been eliminated from the Europa Conference League by a bunch of nobodies must be green with envy.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
West Ham will face six-time winners Sevilla in the Europa League last-16 while Scottish champions Rangers have drawn Serbia's Red Star Belgrade.
The Premier League side made it straight to the last-16 after topping their group.
Rangers had to come through the round of 32 and beat Borussia Dortmund 6-4 on aggregate over two legs to reach this stage for the third successive season.
The first legs will be played on 10 March with the second legs on 17 March.
David Moyes' Hammers will travel to Spain first, while Rangers begin with a home tie at Ibrox.
La Liga side Sevilla last won the competition in the 2019-20 season and will host the final at their Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Elsewhere, Barcelona have drawn Turkish side Galatasaray.
German side RB Leipzig will play Spartak Moscow. It is unclear where the second leg of that tie will be played because Spartak, the last Russian side left in European competition, cannot play at home because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has also been stripped of the 2022 Champions League final, with the game moved from St Petersburg to Paris.
Europa League last-16 draw
Rangers v Crvena Zvezda
SC Braga v AS Monaco
FC Porto v Lyon
Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen
Sevilla v West Ham
Barcelona v Galatasaray
RB Leipzig v Spartak Moscow
Real Betis v Eintracht Frankfurt
The Premier League side made it straight to the last-16 after topping their group.
Rangers had to come through the round of 32 and beat Borussia Dortmund 6-4 on aggregate over two legs to reach this stage for the third successive season.
The first legs will be played on 10 March with the second legs on 17 March.
David Moyes' Hammers will travel to Spain first, while Rangers begin with a home tie at Ibrox.
La Liga side Sevilla last won the competition in the 2019-20 season and will host the final at their Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Elsewhere, Barcelona have drawn Turkish side Galatasaray.
German side RB Leipzig will play Spartak Moscow. It is unclear where the second leg of that tie will be played because Spartak, the last Russian side left in European competition, cannot play at home because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has also been stripped of the 2022 Champions League final, with the game moved from St Petersburg to Paris.
Europa League last-16 draw
Rangers v Crvena Zvezda
SC Braga v AS Monaco
FC Porto v Lyon
Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen
Sevilla v West Ham
Barcelona v Galatasaray
RB Leipzig v Spartak Moscow
Real Betis v Eintracht Frankfurt
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
FULL-TIME
Sevilla 1-0 West Ham
West Ham will wonder what might have been had Nikola Vlasic scored that huge first-half chance.
But after conceding, it could have been an awful lot worse than 1-0. To tie is still alive, and set up for a superb second leg in London!
Sevilla 1-0 West Ham
West Ham will wonder what might have been had Nikola Vlasic scored that huge first-half chance.
But after conceding, it could have been an awful lot worse than 1-0. To tie is still alive, and set up for a superb second leg in London!
Maher96
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2011
- Runs
- 7,302
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Rangers took a significant step towards the Europa League quarter-finals with a pulsating statement 3-0 win over Red Star Belgrade at a raucous Ibrox.
West Ham produced a battling display in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with Sevilla but were beaten 1-0 courtesy of Munir El Haddadi's well-taken goal at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
West Ham produced a battling display in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with Sevilla but were beaten 1-0 courtesy of Munir El Haddadi's well-taken goal at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Andriy Yarmolenko scored an emotional extra-time winner as West Ham overturned a first-leg deficit against Sevilla to reach their first European quarter-final since 1981.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his seventh goal in as many games to help 2-1 Barcelona beat Galatasaray and advance in the Europa League.
Rangers reached their first European quarter-final in 14 years after a resilient second-leg showing at Red Star Belgrade sealed a landmark Europa League aggregate victory.
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
NEW
<b>Europa League quarter-final draw</b>
RB Leipzig v Atalanta
Eintracht Frankfurt v Barcelona
West Ham v Lyon
Braga v Rangers
<b>Europa League semi-final draw</b>
RB Leipzig or Atalanta v Braga or Rangers
West Ham or Lyon v Eintracht Frankfurt or Barcelona
<b>Europa League quarter-final draw</b>
RB Leipzig v Atalanta
Eintracht Frankfurt v Barcelona
West Ham v Lyon
Braga v Rangers
<b>Europa League semi-final draw</b>
RB Leipzig or Atalanta v Braga or Rangers
West Ham or Lyon v Eintracht Frankfurt or Barcelona
Last edited by a moderator:
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
Imagine West Ham v Barcelona in a potential semi-final? Lol 
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
West Ham down to 10 men before half time.
Big blow.
Big blow.
Maher96
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2011
- Runs
- 7,302
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Ferran Torres scored for Barcelona as they fought back at Eintracht Frankfurt to earn a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Ten-man West Ham kept their hopes of reaching a first European semi-final since 1976 alive by battling to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final with Lyon at London Stadium.
Rangers will need to come from behind in Glasgow to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League after falling to a disappointing 1-0 defeat in Braga.
Ten-man West Ham kept their hopes of reaching a first European semi-final since 1976 alive by battling to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final with Lyon at London Stadium.
Rangers will need to come from behind in Glasgow to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League after falling to a disappointing 1-0 defeat in Braga.
Maher96
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2011
- Runs
- 7,302
West Ham United will face Eintracht Frankfurt for a place in the Europa League final after the Hammers secured their first European semi-final in 46 years with a stunning second-leg victory in Lyon.
Having held on for a 1-1 first-leg draw in London after playing the entire second half with 10 men, David Moyes' players withstood periods of intense early pressure before sweeping their Ligue 1 opposition aside.
The visitors struck twice in seven minutes at the end of the first half, as Craig Dawson met Pablo Fornals' corner with a superb near-post header before a deflected Declan Rice strike put the Premier League club in total charge.
Jarrod Bowen extended the advantage within three minutes of the restart, slotting in at the end of a sweeping counter-attack, and a deflated Lyon could offer no response as West Ham comfortably saw out a memorable win.
The statement victory set up the biggest match in the club's recent history, against Bundesliga side Frankfurt, who upset Spanish giants Barcelona 3-2 at the Nou Camp to win 4-3 on aggregate.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61088177
Having held on for a 1-1 first-leg draw in London after playing the entire second half with 10 men, David Moyes' players withstood periods of intense early pressure before sweeping their Ligue 1 opposition aside.
The visitors struck twice in seven minutes at the end of the first half, as Craig Dawson met Pablo Fornals' corner with a superb near-post header before a deflected Declan Rice strike put the Premier League club in total charge.
Jarrod Bowen extended the advantage within three minutes of the restart, slotting in at the end of a sweeping counter-attack, and a deflated Lyon could offer no response as West Ham comfortably saw out a memorable win.
The statement victory set up the biggest match in the club's recent history, against Bundesliga side Frankfurt, who upset Spanish giants Barcelona 3-2 at the Nou Camp to win 4-3 on aggregate.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61088177
Maher96
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2011
- Runs
- 7,302
Kianig89
T20I Star
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2012
- Runs
- 32,275
How times change Moyes booted out by Utd for not upto standard and Utd still in decline and might embrace Pyjama Cup next year in Europe whereas Moyes is on the up proving he is no fluke
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
Eintracht Frankfurt stunned Barcelona with a dramatic victory at the Nou Camp to set up a Europa League semi-final against West Ham.
After the first leg had finished 1-1, the German side stormed into a 3-0 lead in the second and looked in control before two late goals for Barcelona.
Filip Kostic's penalty and Rafael Borre's superb strike were followed by another for Kostic after the break.
But Sergio Busquets' effort and Memphis Depay's penalty set up a tense finish.
Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka was also sent off for a second yellow card for what looked a soft foul on Luuk de Jong for the spot-kick, with nine minutes added on following a VAR malfunction.
But Frankfurt, who sit ninth in the Bundesliga and won this competition in its previous guise in 1980, saw out a memorable victory to the delight of their almost 30,000 travelling fans.
Barcelona, on a superb run since the arrival of Xavi, did not know how to cope with the Bundesliga outfit's clinical counter-attacks and Frankfurt could have had more.
Kostic slotted the first from the spot following a foul by Eric Garcia but the goal of the game came from Borre, who thundered a strike into the roof of the net from distance.
The hosts had chances of their own and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed over in the first half before failing to connect with Ousmane Dembele's low cross in the second.
Busquets saw an initial effort ruled out for offside in added time before sparking a dramatic finish with a well-taken goal, but the hosts ran out of time after Depay's penalty just crept over the line.
It means Frankfurt can look forward to a semi-final against David Moyes' Hammers.
BBC
After the first leg had finished 1-1, the German side stormed into a 3-0 lead in the second and looked in control before two late goals for Barcelona.
Filip Kostic's penalty and Rafael Borre's superb strike were followed by another for Kostic after the break.
But Sergio Busquets' effort and Memphis Depay's penalty set up a tense finish.
Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka was also sent off for a second yellow card for what looked a soft foul on Luuk de Jong for the spot-kick, with nine minutes added on following a VAR malfunction.
But Frankfurt, who sit ninth in the Bundesliga and won this competition in its previous guise in 1980, saw out a memorable victory to the delight of their almost 30,000 travelling fans.
Barcelona, on a superb run since the arrival of Xavi, did not know how to cope with the Bundesliga outfit's clinical counter-attacks and Frankfurt could have had more.
Kostic slotted the first from the spot following a foul by Eric Garcia but the goal of the game came from Borre, who thundered a strike into the roof of the net from distance.
The hosts had chances of their own and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed over in the first half before failing to connect with Ousmane Dembele's low cross in the second.
Busquets saw an initial effort ruled out for offside in added time before sparking a dramatic finish with a well-taken goal, but the hosts ran out of time after Depay's penalty just crept over the line.
It means Frankfurt can look forward to a semi-final against David Moyes' Hammers.
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
West Ham United will face Eintracht Frankfurt for a place in the Europa League final after the Hammers secured their first European semi-final in 46 years with a stunning second-leg victory in Lyon.
Having held on for a 1-1 first-leg draw in London after playing the entire second half with 10 men, David Moyes' players withstood periods of intense early pressure before sweeping their Ligue 1 opposition aside.
The visitors struck twice in seven minutes at the end of the first half, as Craig Dawson met Pablo Fornals' corner with a superb near-post header before a deflected Declan Rice strike put the Premier League club in total charge.
Jarrod Bowen extended the advantage within three minutes of the restart, slotting in at the end of a sweeping counter-attack, and a deflated Lyon could offer no response as West Ham comfortably saw out a memorable win.
The statement victory set up the biggest match in the club's recent history, against Bundesliga side Frankfurt, who upset Spanish giants Barcelona 3-2 at the Nou Camp to win 4-3 on aggregate.
BBC
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
<b>David Moyes: West Ham boss thinks Hammers have good chance of Europa League glory</b>
West Ham should have no sense of inferiority when they aim to reach their first European final in 46 years, says manager David Moyes.
"We have got a good chance," he told BBC Sport before the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with German side Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday (20:00 BST).
"They are a really good side, who have put out a couple of big teams in this competition. But we have as well. I want us to feel positive about it and try and enjoy it as much as we can.
"We have to start getting used to it and thinking this is where we are supposed to be."
It is the first time Moyes has reached the last four in Europe, having experienced knockout-stage exits earlier in his career at Everton and Manchester United.
His only final as a top-flight manager came in 2009, when Everton were beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Full article/interview @
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61249165
West Ham should have no sense of inferiority when they aim to reach their first European final in 46 years, says manager David Moyes.
"We have got a good chance," he told BBC Sport before the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with German side Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday (20:00 BST).
"They are a really good side, who have put out a couple of big teams in this competition. But we have as well. I want us to feel positive about it and try and enjoy it as much as we can.
"We have to start getting used to it and thinking this is where we are supposed to be."
It is the first time Moyes has reached the last four in Europe, having experienced knockout-stage exits earlier in his career at Everton and Manchester United.
His only final as a top-flight manager came in 2009, when Everton were beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Full article/interview @
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61249165
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
daytrader
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Runs
- 10,850
- Post of the Week
- 1
daytrader
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Runs
- 10,850
- Post of the Week
- 1
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
West Ham trail Frankfurt 2-1 after semi-final first leg
West Ham will have to come from behind in Germany next week if they are to reach their first European final in 46 years after Eintracht Frankfurt secured a deserved first-leg advantage at London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen came agonisingly close to snatching a draw for the hosts in stoppage time when his overhead kick from a Declan Rice cross bounced down off the crossbar.
But that would have been harsh on Frankfurt, who were a constant threat on the counter-attack and showed why they had won away at Real Betis and Barcelona already in the knockout stages.
The visitors had the perfect start when Ansgar Knauff scored inside the opening minute.
The Hammers did recover through Michail Antonio's 11th goal of the season - and his first in the Europa League since September - as he bundled home Kurt Zouma's nod down at the far post.
It was Frankfurt who got the winner when Daichi Kamada tapped home after Djibril Sow's low shot was turned into his path.
Until the dramatic finale, a Bowen shot that flicked off the outside of a post and Said Benrahma's dipping second-half effort that flashed narrowly wide were West Ham's most dangerous efforts.
It was a disappointing outcome for David Moyes' men, although having performed brilliantly in Lyon to reach the last four, they do have hope when they travel to Frankfurt for the return.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61249148
West Ham will have to come from behind in Germany next week if they are to reach their first European final in 46 years after Eintracht Frankfurt secured a deserved first-leg advantage at London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen came agonisingly close to snatching a draw for the hosts in stoppage time when his overhead kick from a Declan Rice cross bounced down off the crossbar.
But that would have been harsh on Frankfurt, who were a constant threat on the counter-attack and showed why they had won away at Real Betis and Barcelona already in the knockout stages.
The visitors had the perfect start when Ansgar Knauff scored inside the opening minute.
The Hammers did recover through Michail Antonio's 11th goal of the season - and his first in the Europa League since September - as he bundled home Kurt Zouma's nod down at the far post.
It was Frankfurt who got the winner when Daichi Kamada tapped home after Djibril Sow's low shot was turned into his path.
Until the dramatic finale, a Bowen shot that flicked off the outside of a post and Said Benrahma's dipping second-half effort that flashed narrowly wide were West Ham's most dangerous efforts.
It was a disappointing outcome for David Moyes' men, although having performed brilliantly in Lyon to reach the last four, they do have hope when they travel to Frankfurt for the return.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61249148
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
Really poor night for the UK sides.
West Ham likely to go out. Leicester also up against it.
Rangers have a chance.
West Ham likely to go out. Leicester also up against it.
Rangers have a chance.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
West Ham are investigating after German commentators were allegedly attacked by a Hammers fan during the 2-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt.
German newspaper Bild reported the commentators had their headsets ripped off and thrown on the floor at London Stadium on Thursday.
The incident happened after West Ham's Michail Antonio equalised in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
West Ham said they "will be working to identify the offender".
The broadcasters, working for German station ARD, were commentating from the back row of the media section, which had supporters directly behind it.
"In line with our zero-tolerance approach, anyone identified will have their details passed to the police," said a West Ham spokesperson.
"They will be given an indefinite ban and be unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the club. There is no place for this kind of behaviour."
BBC
German newspaper Bild reported the commentators had their headsets ripped off and thrown on the floor at London Stadium on Thursday.
The incident happened after West Ham's Michail Antonio equalised in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
West Ham said they "will be working to identify the offender".
The broadcasters, working for German station ARD, were commentating from the back row of the media section, which had supporters directly behind it.
"In line with our zero-tolerance approach, anyone identified will have their details passed to the police," said a West Ham spokesperson.
"They will be given an indefinite ban and be unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the club. There is no place for this kind of behaviour."
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
'West Ham are going to win in Frankfurt' - Nevin
Eintracht Frankfurt v West Ham (agg: 2-1)
Former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin has backed West Ham to overturn the first-leg deficit in their Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Nevin says that although many have written the Hammers off, he believes in David Moyes' side.
"I've known Moyes since he was 14 - he's a leader and a winner," Nevin said. "He is confident going into this and he absolutely believes they will win.
"I think they will do it for a number of reasons. They're a good team, the style of the game away from home will suit them and they have nothing to lose so can just go for it.
"They have rested players coming into this so hopefully have players that are fit.
"On top of that, Frankfurt do have some weaknesses, especially at the Deutscher Park Stadium, where their home record is really poor. They have only won one of their last 10 games and that brings its own pressure."
Nevin also described England midfielder Declan Rice as "gold dust" and that winning the Europa League will be vital to keeping him at London Stadium.
"He's the type of player you try to build your club around," he said. "He can play centre-back, central midfield, attacking midfield - it's like having three different players.
"Then with his personality on top - it's no surprise he's very important to them."
BBC
Eintracht Frankfurt v West Ham (agg: 2-1)
Former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin has backed West Ham to overturn the first-leg deficit in their Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Nevin says that although many have written the Hammers off, he believes in David Moyes' side.
"I've known Moyes since he was 14 - he's a leader and a winner," Nevin said. "He is confident going into this and he absolutely believes they will win.
"I think they will do it for a number of reasons. They're a good team, the style of the game away from home will suit them and they have nothing to lose so can just go for it.
"They have rested players coming into this so hopefully have players that are fit.
"On top of that, Frankfurt do have some weaknesses, especially at the Deutscher Park Stadium, where their home record is really poor. They have only won one of their last 10 games and that brings its own pressure."
Nevin also described England midfielder Declan Rice as "gold dust" and that winning the Europa League will be vital to keeping him at London Stadium.
"He's the type of player you try to build your club around," he said. "He can play centre-back, central midfield, attacking midfield - it's like having three different players.
"Then with his personality on top - it's no surprise he's very important to them."
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,982
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
Pat Nevin is a rubbish pundit.
It was obvious that West Ham were going to crash out after that disappointing first leg. Their season seems to be running out of steam.
It was obvious that West Ham were going to crash out after that disappointing first leg. Their season seems to be running out of steam.
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
Brilliant from Rangers.
daytrader
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Runs
- 10,850
- Post of the Week
- 1
silentkiller187
First Class Captain
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2014
- Runs
- 5,483
Rangers beat RB Leipzig to reach Europa League final
Rangers' dream season in Europe will culminate in a Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt after they swept aside RB Leipzig on another emotionally charged and memorable night at Ibrox.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Rangers turned the semi-final on its head within 25 minutes through goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara.
Christopher Nkunku's 32nd goal of the season levelled the tie again before John Lundstram shook Ibrox with 10 minutes left after sweeping home.
Leipzig, despite their talented squad, could find no answer in the closing stages amid a cauldron of noise as a depleted Rangers side completed their remarkable run from the play-off round to the final.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men will meet Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on 18 May with a tantalising chance to win the club's first European trophy for 50 years.
When the full-time whistle arrived, the Rangers players looked on in utter disbelief at their incredible achievement, but it was a performance worthy of winning any European tie.
Using the emotion of Ibrox, as they have throughout the campaign, just days after the passing of club icon and kitman of 30 years Jimmy Bell, they stormed out the blocks and into a 2-0 lead despite the absence of key strikers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.
Firstly, Kamara held up a long ball he had no right to retain, and offloaded to Ryan Kent who picked out Tavernier at the back post for his seventh goal of the Europa League campaign.
The fans behind the goal cascaded towards the pitch in sheer elation, but it got even better six minutes later when Kamara caressed a shot with his weaker foot into the back of the net.
Leipzig, a club with a turnover about six times that of Rangers, were completely rattled and should have fallen three goals down before the break as Joe Aribo sclaffed a volley in the air from five yards.
That came so close to capping a perfectly executed first-half display from Rangers, and after the break they showed the guts and determination that has characterised their run to the final.
After seeing Aribo and Ryan Jack limp off injured, they were picked apart by Angelino's delicious cross from the left and Nkunku's gorgeous first-time finish and the momentum seemed to have swung away from Van Bronckhorst's side.
But despite the Germans cranking up the pressure and legs tiring, Rangers somehow got themselves up the pitch.
The lively Kent ghosted past his man and hung a cross into the box which almost dropped in, and Lundstram was lurking to drill home the clearance for the winning goal to send Ibrox rocking from its foundations.
Fashion Sakala should have put it to bed in stoppage time when clean through, but it did not matter as Rangers saw out the final minutes in relative comfort having knocked the stuffing from Leipzig.
John Lundstram scored the decisive goal, but he was relentless across the two legs whether at centre-back or in midfield. A heroic performance
This was an astounding performance from Rangers. Away from home they parked the bus and made sure they came back to Ibrox with a chance, and they put in the perfect display in front of their own fans to finish the job.
This was not a backs-against-the-wall effort, they swarmed Leipzig and completely outplayed them for the first hour and, even with key players missing and forced off, they somehow got the job done.
This is a team that has gone to extra time against Celtic and Braga in the last month, played Motherwell with 10 men for over an hour, and gone toe-to-toe with Leipzig all with a squad stretched to its limit.
But somehow they keep coming up with the answers in Europe. It has been a superhuman effort.
You could have picked any player in a blue shirt for man of the match, but Lundstram's performance in defence and midfield was totemic and he popped up with the winning goal.
Kamara - not known for his attacking threat - also stepped up massively to create and score the first two goals, while Kent seems to just come alive on European nights.
They will not fear Frankfurt in the final having already taken down Borussia Dortmund and now Leipzig, and Van Bronckhorst has shown he can adapt the team's game plan for all different types of opponents.
What a thrill it has been for them, and now there is one final job.
What the stats say
RB Leipzig are only the fifth side in the Europa League since 2009-10 to be eliminated in the semi-finals despite winning the first leg after Benfica in 2010-11, Sporting Lisbon in 2011-12, Fenerbahce in 2012-13 and Villarreal in 2015-16.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has become the first Dutch manager to reach the final of the Uefa Cup/Europa League in charge of a non-Dutch side since Dick Advocaat in 2008, whose Zenit St Petersburg side faced Rangers in that year's final, winning 2-0.
RB Leipzig have now lost on each of their previous two visits to face Scottish sides in European club competition (exc. qualifiers); it is the first time the German side have lost on each of their first two such visits to sides from a specific nation.
James Tavernier has now scored seven goals in the Europa League this season; the outright most by a Rangers player in a single season in European club competition. Indeed, he is also the third Englishman to score at least 10 goals in the Europa League (excluding qualifiers), with only Jermain Defoe and Harry Kane scoring more (both 11).
John Lundstram scored his second Europa League goal of the season in 13 appearances, with both coming against German opposition (also against Borussia Dortmund). In the Scottish Premiership this season, he has only scored once in 26 games.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61298484
Rangers' dream season in Europe will culminate in a Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt after they swept aside RB Leipzig on another emotionally charged and memorable night at Ibrox.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Rangers turned the semi-final on its head within 25 minutes through goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara.
Christopher Nkunku's 32nd goal of the season levelled the tie again before John Lundstram shook Ibrox with 10 minutes left after sweeping home.
Leipzig, despite their talented squad, could find no answer in the closing stages amid a cauldron of noise as a depleted Rangers side completed their remarkable run from the play-off round to the final.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men will meet Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on 18 May with a tantalising chance to win the club's first European trophy for 50 years.
When the full-time whistle arrived, the Rangers players looked on in utter disbelief at their incredible achievement, but it was a performance worthy of winning any European tie.
Using the emotion of Ibrox, as they have throughout the campaign, just days after the passing of club icon and kitman of 30 years Jimmy Bell, they stormed out the blocks and into a 2-0 lead despite the absence of key strikers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.
Firstly, Kamara held up a long ball he had no right to retain, and offloaded to Ryan Kent who picked out Tavernier at the back post for his seventh goal of the Europa League campaign.
The fans behind the goal cascaded towards the pitch in sheer elation, but it got even better six minutes later when Kamara caressed a shot with his weaker foot into the back of the net.
Leipzig, a club with a turnover about six times that of Rangers, were completely rattled and should have fallen three goals down before the break as Joe Aribo sclaffed a volley in the air from five yards.
That came so close to capping a perfectly executed first-half display from Rangers, and after the break they showed the guts and determination that has characterised their run to the final.
After seeing Aribo and Ryan Jack limp off injured, they were picked apart by Angelino's delicious cross from the left and Nkunku's gorgeous first-time finish and the momentum seemed to have swung away from Van Bronckhorst's side.
But despite the Germans cranking up the pressure and legs tiring, Rangers somehow got themselves up the pitch.
The lively Kent ghosted past his man and hung a cross into the box which almost dropped in, and Lundstram was lurking to drill home the clearance for the winning goal to send Ibrox rocking from its foundations.
Fashion Sakala should have put it to bed in stoppage time when clean through, but it did not matter as Rangers saw out the final minutes in relative comfort having knocked the stuffing from Leipzig.
John Lundstram scored the decisive goal, but he was relentless across the two legs whether at centre-back or in midfield. A heroic performance
This was an astounding performance from Rangers. Away from home they parked the bus and made sure they came back to Ibrox with a chance, and they put in the perfect display in front of their own fans to finish the job.
This was not a backs-against-the-wall effort, they swarmed Leipzig and completely outplayed them for the first hour and, even with key players missing and forced off, they somehow got the job done.
This is a team that has gone to extra time against Celtic and Braga in the last month, played Motherwell with 10 men for over an hour, and gone toe-to-toe with Leipzig all with a squad stretched to its limit.
But somehow they keep coming up with the answers in Europe. It has been a superhuman effort.
You could have picked any player in a blue shirt for man of the match, but Lundstram's performance in defence and midfield was totemic and he popped up with the winning goal.
Kamara - not known for his attacking threat - also stepped up massively to create and score the first two goals, while Kent seems to just come alive on European nights.
They will not fear Frankfurt in the final having already taken down Borussia Dortmund and now Leipzig, and Van Bronckhorst has shown he can adapt the team's game plan for all different types of opponents.
What a thrill it has been for them, and now there is one final job.
What the stats say
RB Leipzig are only the fifth side in the Europa League since 2009-10 to be eliminated in the semi-finals despite winning the first leg after Benfica in 2010-11, Sporting Lisbon in 2011-12, Fenerbahce in 2012-13 and Villarreal in 2015-16.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has become the first Dutch manager to reach the final of the Uefa Cup/Europa League in charge of a non-Dutch side since Dick Advocaat in 2008, whose Zenit St Petersburg side faced Rangers in that year's final, winning 2-0.
RB Leipzig have now lost on each of their previous two visits to face Scottish sides in European club competition (exc. qualifiers); it is the first time the German side have lost on each of their first two such visits to sides from a specific nation.
James Tavernier has now scored seven goals in the Europa League this season; the outright most by a Rangers player in a single season in European club competition. Indeed, he is also the third Englishman to score at least 10 goals in the Europa League (excluding qualifiers), with only Jermain Defoe and Harry Kane scoring more (both 11).
John Lundstram scored his second Europa League goal of the season in 13 appearances, with both coming against German opposition (also against Borussia Dortmund). In the Scottish Premiership this season, he has only scored once in 26 games.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61298484
silentkiller187
First Class Captain
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2014
- Runs
- 5,483
Frankfurt end West Ham's European dream
West Ham's European dream is over as they were beaten in the Europa League semi-final by Eintracht Frankfurt, who will meet Rangers in the final.
Defender Aaron Cresswell and manager David Moyes were both sent off on a heated night in Germany as West Ham failed to set up an all-British final.
Moyes' side lost their home leg 2-1 but started brightly until Cresswell pulled down Jens Petter Hauge, who would have been through on goal. He was initially shown a yellow card but it was upgraded to a red after a video assistant referee review.
The German side - who enjoyed a marvellously colourful partisan home support - went ahead when the unmarked Rafael Borre hammered home from Ansgar Knauff's low ball.
The night got even worse for West Ham when a frustrated Moyes booted the ball at a ball boy and was shown a straight red card.
At full-time thousands of Frankfurt fans streamed on to the pitch to celebrate their first European final since 1980.
West Ham had a few chances in the closing stages with Michail Antonio forcing a save from Kevin Trapp and Tomas Soucek heading wide.
The Hammers' wait for a major trophy will tick over into a 43rd year. It also means no place in next season's Champions League.
Scottish side Rangers beat Leipzig in the other semi-final to ensure they will face Frankfurt in Seville on Wednesday, 18 May.
Rafael Borre has either scored or assisted three of Frankfurt's last five Europa League goals
West Ham boss Moyes, who has never won a major trophy, said before the game he hoped this was his turn. Sadly, it is not.
And it ended on a low as he angrily asked for the ball back from a ball boy before blasting it back in their direction, earning himself a red card.
The Hammers have enjoyed some great moments on this run to the last four, but their last European final remains the 1975-76 Cup Winners' Cup.
Now they have to make sure they take advantage of this momentum and book a place in Europe again next season. A poor finish to the season could yet lead to them dropping from seventh and missing out.
Frankfurt have some similarities to West Ham - they won trophies in the past, have provided players to their country's World Cup win and have reached European finals - but have had more relegations than trophies in recent years.
Their season too has been based around Europe, with their run including a famous win over Barcelona in the quarter-finals. They sit 11th in the Bundesliga.
They were backed to the hilt at the Deutsche Bank Park as the players came out to a sea of black and white, loads of noise, banners, flares and confetti.
The scenes at the end were a concern, though, with West Ham's players trying to applaud their travelling fans when thousands of Frankfurt supporters streamed on to the pitch.
About 30 fans had been arrested on Wednesday night after incidents involving both sets of fans.
The home side had a nightmare start when they lost key defender Martin Hinteregger to an early injury.
But they were able to replace him, a luxury West Ham did not have when Cresswell picked up his second Europa League red card for a professional foul in less than a month.
Ben Johnson replaced Manuel Lanzini and went to left-back but Frankfurt's goal came from that flank when Knauff, who scored in the first leg, picked out Borre to fire home.
The Hammers had a few chances, including a Craig Dawson header at Trapp, but never really looked like completing a famous comeback.
Frankfurt did not threaten too much either, with mostly long-range shots, but that mattered little and Oliver Glasner's first season in charge will end in a European final.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61323868
West Ham's European dream is over as they were beaten in the Europa League semi-final by Eintracht Frankfurt, who will meet Rangers in the final.
Defender Aaron Cresswell and manager David Moyes were both sent off on a heated night in Germany as West Ham failed to set up an all-British final.
Moyes' side lost their home leg 2-1 but started brightly until Cresswell pulled down Jens Petter Hauge, who would have been through on goal. He was initially shown a yellow card but it was upgraded to a red after a video assistant referee review.
The German side - who enjoyed a marvellously colourful partisan home support - went ahead when the unmarked Rafael Borre hammered home from Ansgar Knauff's low ball.
The night got even worse for West Ham when a frustrated Moyes booted the ball at a ball boy and was shown a straight red card.
At full-time thousands of Frankfurt fans streamed on to the pitch to celebrate their first European final since 1980.
West Ham had a few chances in the closing stages with Michail Antonio forcing a save from Kevin Trapp and Tomas Soucek heading wide.
The Hammers' wait for a major trophy will tick over into a 43rd year. It also means no place in next season's Champions League.
Scottish side Rangers beat Leipzig in the other semi-final to ensure they will face Frankfurt in Seville on Wednesday, 18 May.
Rafael Borre has either scored or assisted three of Frankfurt's last five Europa League goals
West Ham boss Moyes, who has never won a major trophy, said before the game he hoped this was his turn. Sadly, it is not.
And it ended on a low as he angrily asked for the ball back from a ball boy before blasting it back in their direction, earning himself a red card.
The Hammers have enjoyed some great moments on this run to the last four, but their last European final remains the 1975-76 Cup Winners' Cup.
Now they have to make sure they take advantage of this momentum and book a place in Europe again next season. A poor finish to the season could yet lead to them dropping from seventh and missing out.
Frankfurt have some similarities to West Ham - they won trophies in the past, have provided players to their country's World Cup win and have reached European finals - but have had more relegations than trophies in recent years.
Their season too has been based around Europe, with their run including a famous win over Barcelona in the quarter-finals. They sit 11th in the Bundesliga.
They were backed to the hilt at the Deutsche Bank Park as the players came out to a sea of black and white, loads of noise, banners, flares and confetti.
The scenes at the end were a concern, though, with West Ham's players trying to applaud their travelling fans when thousands of Frankfurt supporters streamed on to the pitch.
About 30 fans had been arrested on Wednesday night after incidents involving both sets of fans.
The home side had a nightmare start when they lost key defender Martin Hinteregger to an early injury.
But they were able to replace him, a luxury West Ham did not have when Cresswell picked up his second Europa League red card for a professional foul in less than a month.
Ben Johnson replaced Manuel Lanzini and went to left-back but Frankfurt's goal came from that flank when Knauff, who scored in the first leg, picked out Borre to fire home.
The Hammers had a few chances, including a Craig Dawson header at Trapp, but never really looked like completing a famous comeback.
Frankfurt did not threaten too much either, with mostly long-range shots, but that mattered little and Oliver Glasner's first season in charge will end in a European final.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61323868
silentkiller187
First Class Captain
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2014
- Runs
- 5,483
Police in Spain estimate that up to 150,000 fans will be in Seville for Wednesday's Europa League final.
They said they expected Rangers supporters to outnumber Eintracht Frankfurt fans by two to one.
The capacity of the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, which is hosting the final, is just 42,700.
At a press conference, officials said trains heading to the city from Madrid and Malaga were completely full with the same expected on Wednesday.
Roads around the stadium where the match is being held are shutting on Tuesday with a wider security perimeter being put in place on the day of the game - which will be Rangers' first European final in 14 years.
Seville's transport authority are adding extra bus services on the day of game to take ticketless Rangers fans to the 57,000-capacity Estadio La Cartuja stadium in the north of the city where the match is being shown on a big screen.
Ticketless Frankfurt fans will be taken to watch the game on a big screen at The Prado de San Sebastián.
There will be 5,000 police officers on hand to ensure the event passes safely.
Uefa, football's governing body, had allocated just 9,500 tickets to the fans of each of the two clubs in the final.
The rest of the tickets were given to sponsors and people from other clubs.
It is now thought that more tickets could be available to Rangers and Frankfurt fans but there will still be tens of thousands without tickets.
Up to 100,000 Rangers fans could be in the city but officials said Seville was ready to host the final.
As well as transport arrangements, it has put in place a "special cleaning plan" that involves 200 workers washing down pavements and emptying litter bins.
They have also placed 110 urinals in the busiest areas of the city.
Earlier, the mayor of Seville said the city was "completely ready" to welcome the fans of both teams.
Antonio Muñoz told BBC Scotland that the city was expecting a capacity crowd for the game, along with "many more" fans from both Scotland and Germany.
The mayor said he hoped fans would enjoy their time in Seville.
He said there would be two "massive screens" for the fans without tickets.
Rangers fans have already started arriving in the city ahead of the game, with many more due to make the journey using a variety of routes.
The weather in Seville is expected to be scorching this week, with temperatures forecast to reach 34C in the days before the match.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61471267
They said they expected Rangers supporters to outnumber Eintracht Frankfurt fans by two to one.
The capacity of the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, which is hosting the final, is just 42,700.
At a press conference, officials said trains heading to the city from Madrid and Malaga were completely full with the same expected on Wednesday.
Roads around the stadium where the match is being held are shutting on Tuesday with a wider security perimeter being put in place on the day of the game - which will be Rangers' first European final in 14 years.
Seville's transport authority are adding extra bus services on the day of game to take ticketless Rangers fans to the 57,000-capacity Estadio La Cartuja stadium in the north of the city where the match is being shown on a big screen.
Ticketless Frankfurt fans will be taken to watch the game on a big screen at The Prado de San Sebastián.
There will be 5,000 police officers on hand to ensure the event passes safely.
Uefa, football's governing body, had allocated just 9,500 tickets to the fans of each of the two clubs in the final.
The rest of the tickets were given to sponsors and people from other clubs.
It is now thought that more tickets could be available to Rangers and Frankfurt fans but there will still be tens of thousands without tickets.
Up to 100,000 Rangers fans could be in the city but officials said Seville was ready to host the final.
As well as transport arrangements, it has put in place a "special cleaning plan" that involves 200 workers washing down pavements and emptying litter bins.
They have also placed 110 urinals in the busiest areas of the city.
Earlier, the mayor of Seville said the city was "completely ready" to welcome the fans of both teams.
Antonio Muñoz told BBC Scotland that the city was expecting a capacity crowd for the game, along with "many more" fans from both Scotland and Germany.
The mayor said he hoped fans would enjoy their time in Seville.
He said there would be two "massive screens" for the fans without tickets.
Rangers fans have already started arriving in the city ahead of the game, with many more due to make the journey using a variety of routes.
The weather in Seville is expected to be scorching this week, with temperatures forecast to reach 34C in the days before the match.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61471267
silentkiller187
First Class Captain
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2014
- Runs
- 5,483
On Friday evening, the redoubtable BBC pundit Charles Young was driving to Greenock Town Hall for a speaking gig when he caught sight of a Volvo in his rear-view mirror, so close that 'Chico' could spot the determined and slightly desperate look on the driver's face.
The great man was unnerved, utterly convinced that he was being followed. He sped up and slowed down, turned on to one quiet road after another but still the guy stayed in his slipstream. By the time he arrived at his destination, he was in an agitated state, especially so when the Volvo swerved through the entrance and pulled up beside him.
"A chap got out of the car and I don't mind admitting that my backside was tightening at this point," he said. "He comes over to me and says, 'Hey Chick, I saw you on the road there and I thought I'd follow you to ask you something: Any tickets for Seville?'"
We've no idea if Volvo Man is here in Spain or not, no idea if he is among the exodus, the mass movement of Rangers people. If he is, it would be kind of difficult to pick him out in the crowd. Latest estimates put the number of travelling Bears at 100,000.
They've come in from every conceivable direction. The multiple charters out of Glasgow are the least of it. Some have scrambled to Seville via Marrakesh in Morocco, others have gone Glasgow-Gatwick-Bilbao-Seville, Glasgow-Luton-Lisbon-Seville, Edinburgh-Bergamo-Milan-Madrid-Seville. There are tales of expats coming up from the Southern Hemisphere. The Rainbow Hot Air Balloon company took calls from folk wondering if they could book something to get them to Spain. The owners thought it was a wind-up at first. It wasn't.
There are hundreds if not thousands of stories knocking about and they will become legend if Rangers beat Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night. They'll be passed down the generations, some real, some exaggerated or invented, but magnificent nonetheless. 'My granda cycled to Seville with his big mate Archie on the handlebars.'
There's a fantastic madness to it all, a uniqueness. This is Rangers' second European final in half a century. Who knows when they are going to be in another one and how many of their fans who have made this trip will be alive to see it.
Only three Scottish clubs have won a trophy of this magnitude. Billy McNeill, John Greig and Willie Miller are the only captains who've led a Scottish side to this kind of glory. James Tavernier could be the fourth.
History surrounds not just this final, but the entire Rangers story. They have come through the hideous Craig Whyte era and the bombastic Charles Green years, they've counted the unpopular Easdale brothers in and they've counted them out again.
All sorts of unwanted characters drifted across their landscape over the past decade - Brian Stockbridge and David Somers, Imran Ahmad and Rafat Rizvi, Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias. There was the pornography baron and Mr Custard and Nanny McPhee - those references will mean nothing to some but will send a shiver up the spine of Rangers fans who remember those slapstick days only too well.
Nine seasons ago they lost to Stirling Albion, Annan Athletic and Peterhead in the bottom tier of Scottish football. Two of those defeats were at Ibrox. Seven seasons ago they lost games against Alloa Athletic, Raith Rovers and Queen of the South before getting done in cold blood by Motherwell in a bid to reach the Premiership through the play-offs. Motherwell beat them 6-1 over two legs. On full-time Bilel Mohsni, the Rangers player, punched Lee Erwin in the face. Police Scotland got involved. Embarrassing.
It's only five years since Pedro Caixinha was in the bushes after getting knocked out of Europe by Progres Niederkorn. Losing to the fourth-best team in Luxembourg was the most humiliating defeat in Rangers' history and, probably, the most mortifying loss ever suffered by a Scottish side on European terrain.
And now this. This is a different planet entirely. We all know Scottish football is a majestically unpredictable place but even allowing for the surreal, this takes the biscuit. Rangers won only one of their first six games in Europe this season. They lost their manager and five key members of staff in the autumn.
They lost their principal striker, Alfredo Morelos, and then his deputy, Kemar Roofe, for major knockout games against stellar opposition. Their marquee signing, Aaron Ramsey, has barely kicked a ball. And yet they prevailed. They drove on. They made the final and in the eyes of many they are favourites to win it. In a word, brilliance. In another word, miraculous.
Getting here is not enough. It can't be. You only have to listen to Martin O'Neill and his Celtic players from 2003 talking about their inability to watch a replay of that Uefa Cup final defeat by Porto to understand what agony in football is all about. The Rangers players of 2008 will be the same. The tag of gallant runners-up is worthless to these guys.
They have come so far but the toughest bit is upon them now. This will be the greatest game of their lives if they win and almost certainly the most wounding game of their lives if they lose. Immortality or purgatory.
In recent days, Rangers have been pumping out videos of great clubmen of the past talking about the importance of good fan behaviour in Seville. They've been mocked in places, but there's an obvious logic to them. The messages have been pleading in tone because everybody remembers 2008 in Manchester and some remember 1972 in Barcelona and nobody wants to go back to those dark places.
That's the backdrop, the mortal dread of trouble with almost 150,000 fans from both clubs gathering in the city. The great hope is the football is the talking point come Thursday morning, the action on the pitch at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium is all that matters. Under the baking sun in Seville, the wish is that everybody, from Scotland and Germany, stays cool.
What a European adventure this has been for Rangers this season, beginning in Sweden, then moving on to Armenia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Serbia, Portugal, back to Germany and now Spain. Nine different countries and 19 matches including the final. This is Steven Gerrard's team in the sense he signed most of the players who will feature, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst has taken them to a different level these past months.
He's got the best out of John Lundstram, who has become a colossus, he has twisted and tweaked his formation to suit, he's come across as astute and clear-headed despite operating in the maelstrom of knockout European football.
Ibrox has been a massive part of what this team has become but, of course, they won't have the 50,000 screaming them on this time, they won't be able to tap into the raw emotion that their stadium can provide. Their official allocation was 9,500 but there will be close to 20,000 Rangers fans inside the stadium. The 20,000 need to make the noise of twice and three times that number. Their counterparts from Eintracht will be trying to do the exact same thing. An incredible thing could unfold here.
Rangers are going up against a side who have had a miserable Bundesliga season but a glorious Europa League run, a side that went to Olympiakos, Real Betis, Barcelona and West Ham and won, a group of players who keep it compact and then strike out like adders when there's space to exploit.
Eintracht don't mind losing the possession battle. They lost it in five of their six knockout games so far and yet they still managed to record more shots on target than the opposition in those five contests. Rangers would be well advised not to fall into their trap by being too gung-ho.
They have pace and devil through Filip Kostic, the Serb left wing-back, Daichi Kamada, the Japanese attacking midfielder and Rafael Borre, the Colombian striker. Not household names, but names to respect. Kostic has the most assists in the Europa League this season and the second most attempts on goal. They're dangerous.
But Rangers have Allan McGregor, who has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the tournament. They have Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey and Tavernier, a goalscoring phenomenon, the competition's leading marksman from right-back, a man who has opened the scoring in five knockout games for Rangers in the Europa League this season.
They have Lundstram who in the relative blink of an eye has become beloved among the Rangers support. This is a night for Ryan Kent to bring his best stuff. If ever his club needs his undoubted, but inconsistent, talent, it is now. And what of Ramsey? A cameo off the bench? Could the bit-part superstar save his best for the biggest day?
Rangers are well-drilled, completely focused and one game from footballing heaven. This is the stuff of fantasy, but it couldn't be more real. They've almost climbed Everest. One last push and they'll be there.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61483209
The great man was unnerved, utterly convinced that he was being followed. He sped up and slowed down, turned on to one quiet road after another but still the guy stayed in his slipstream. By the time he arrived at his destination, he was in an agitated state, especially so when the Volvo swerved through the entrance and pulled up beside him.
"A chap got out of the car and I don't mind admitting that my backside was tightening at this point," he said. "He comes over to me and says, 'Hey Chick, I saw you on the road there and I thought I'd follow you to ask you something: Any tickets for Seville?'"
We've no idea if Volvo Man is here in Spain or not, no idea if he is among the exodus, the mass movement of Rangers people. If he is, it would be kind of difficult to pick him out in the crowd. Latest estimates put the number of travelling Bears at 100,000.
They've come in from every conceivable direction. The multiple charters out of Glasgow are the least of it. Some have scrambled to Seville via Marrakesh in Morocco, others have gone Glasgow-Gatwick-Bilbao-Seville, Glasgow-Luton-Lisbon-Seville, Edinburgh-Bergamo-Milan-Madrid-Seville. There are tales of expats coming up from the Southern Hemisphere. The Rainbow Hot Air Balloon company took calls from folk wondering if they could book something to get them to Spain. The owners thought it was a wind-up at first. It wasn't.
There are hundreds if not thousands of stories knocking about and they will become legend if Rangers beat Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night. They'll be passed down the generations, some real, some exaggerated or invented, but magnificent nonetheless. 'My granda cycled to Seville with his big mate Archie on the handlebars.'
There's a fantastic madness to it all, a uniqueness. This is Rangers' second European final in half a century. Who knows when they are going to be in another one and how many of their fans who have made this trip will be alive to see it.
Only three Scottish clubs have won a trophy of this magnitude. Billy McNeill, John Greig and Willie Miller are the only captains who've led a Scottish side to this kind of glory. James Tavernier could be the fourth.
History surrounds not just this final, but the entire Rangers story. They have come through the hideous Craig Whyte era and the bombastic Charles Green years, they've counted the unpopular Easdale brothers in and they've counted them out again.
All sorts of unwanted characters drifted across their landscape over the past decade - Brian Stockbridge and David Somers, Imran Ahmad and Rafat Rizvi, Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias. There was the pornography baron and Mr Custard and Nanny McPhee - those references will mean nothing to some but will send a shiver up the spine of Rangers fans who remember those slapstick days only too well.
Nine seasons ago they lost to Stirling Albion, Annan Athletic and Peterhead in the bottom tier of Scottish football. Two of those defeats were at Ibrox. Seven seasons ago they lost games against Alloa Athletic, Raith Rovers and Queen of the South before getting done in cold blood by Motherwell in a bid to reach the Premiership through the play-offs. Motherwell beat them 6-1 over two legs. On full-time Bilel Mohsni, the Rangers player, punched Lee Erwin in the face. Police Scotland got involved. Embarrassing.
It's only five years since Pedro Caixinha was in the bushes after getting knocked out of Europe by Progres Niederkorn. Losing to the fourth-best team in Luxembourg was the most humiliating defeat in Rangers' history and, probably, the most mortifying loss ever suffered by a Scottish side on European terrain.
And now this. This is a different planet entirely. We all know Scottish football is a majestically unpredictable place but even allowing for the surreal, this takes the biscuit. Rangers won only one of their first six games in Europe this season. They lost their manager and five key members of staff in the autumn.
They lost their principal striker, Alfredo Morelos, and then his deputy, Kemar Roofe, for major knockout games against stellar opposition. Their marquee signing, Aaron Ramsey, has barely kicked a ball. And yet they prevailed. They drove on. They made the final and in the eyes of many they are favourites to win it. In a word, brilliance. In another word, miraculous.
Getting here is not enough. It can't be. You only have to listen to Martin O'Neill and his Celtic players from 2003 talking about their inability to watch a replay of that Uefa Cup final defeat by Porto to understand what agony in football is all about. The Rangers players of 2008 will be the same. The tag of gallant runners-up is worthless to these guys.
They have come so far but the toughest bit is upon them now. This will be the greatest game of their lives if they win and almost certainly the most wounding game of their lives if they lose. Immortality or purgatory.
In recent days, Rangers have been pumping out videos of great clubmen of the past talking about the importance of good fan behaviour in Seville. They've been mocked in places, but there's an obvious logic to them. The messages have been pleading in tone because everybody remembers 2008 in Manchester and some remember 1972 in Barcelona and nobody wants to go back to those dark places.
That's the backdrop, the mortal dread of trouble with almost 150,000 fans from both clubs gathering in the city. The great hope is the football is the talking point come Thursday morning, the action on the pitch at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium is all that matters. Under the baking sun in Seville, the wish is that everybody, from Scotland and Germany, stays cool.
What a European adventure this has been for Rangers this season, beginning in Sweden, then moving on to Armenia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Serbia, Portugal, back to Germany and now Spain. Nine different countries and 19 matches including the final. This is Steven Gerrard's team in the sense he signed most of the players who will feature, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst has taken them to a different level these past months.
He's got the best out of John Lundstram, who has become a colossus, he has twisted and tweaked his formation to suit, he's come across as astute and clear-headed despite operating in the maelstrom of knockout European football.
Ibrox has been a massive part of what this team has become but, of course, they won't have the 50,000 screaming them on this time, they won't be able to tap into the raw emotion that their stadium can provide. Their official allocation was 9,500 but there will be close to 20,000 Rangers fans inside the stadium. The 20,000 need to make the noise of twice and three times that number. Their counterparts from Eintracht will be trying to do the exact same thing. An incredible thing could unfold here.
Rangers are going up against a side who have had a miserable Bundesliga season but a glorious Europa League run, a side that went to Olympiakos, Real Betis, Barcelona and West Ham and won, a group of players who keep it compact and then strike out like adders when there's space to exploit.
Eintracht don't mind losing the possession battle. They lost it in five of their six knockout games so far and yet they still managed to record more shots on target than the opposition in those five contests. Rangers would be well advised not to fall into their trap by being too gung-ho.
They have pace and devil through Filip Kostic, the Serb left wing-back, Daichi Kamada, the Japanese attacking midfielder and Rafael Borre, the Colombian striker. Not household names, but names to respect. Kostic has the most assists in the Europa League this season and the second most attempts on goal. They're dangerous.
But Rangers have Allan McGregor, who has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the tournament. They have Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey and Tavernier, a goalscoring phenomenon, the competition's leading marksman from right-back, a man who has opened the scoring in five knockout games for Rangers in the Europa League this season.
They have Lundstram who in the relative blink of an eye has become beloved among the Rangers support. This is a night for Ryan Kent to bring his best stuff. If ever his club needs his undoubted, but inconsistent, talent, it is now. And what of Ramsey? A cameo off the bench? Could the bit-part superstar save his best for the biggest day?
Rangers are well-drilled, completely focused and one game from footballing heaven. This is the stuff of fantasy, but it couldn't be more real. They've almost climbed Everest. One last push and they'll be there.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61483209
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,859
- Post of the Week
- 2
Eintracht Frankfurt and Glasgow Rangers are contesting the UEFA Europa League final tonight.
Not much happening thus far. Very cagey.
35 minutes gone, it’s currently 0-0.
Not much happening thus far. Very cagey.
35 minutes gone, it’s currently 0-0.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2015
- Runs
- 15,745
Rangers lose Europa League final to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties
Rangers suffered an agonising penalty shootout defeat in their fifth European final as Eintracht Frankfurt triumphed in an absorbing Europa League decider.
Rafael Borre crashed in the decisive spot kick after Aaron Ramsey was denied just moments earlier in front of a colossal Rangers support in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Those fans had been euphoric when the Scots took the lead through Joe Aribo's ice-cool second-half finish in the sweltering cauldron in Seville.
However, Borre detonated raucous scenes in a jam-packed Eintracht end 12 minutes later as he steered in a soft equaliser to send this energy-sapping contest to extra time and penalties.
And Rangers' players crumpled to their feet as the 11th-placed side in the Bundesliga prevailed in the shootout, executing five composed penalties to claim their second European trophy and a place in next season's Champions League group stages.
Under a humid Spanish sky, this one seemed written in the stars for Rangers. Their only previous win in Spain came in the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup final, when the Barca Bears stormed past Dynamo Moscow for their first European trophy.
The pilgrimage to Seville in the hope of repeating the feat of Jardine, Stein, Greig and Johnstone was a long and arduous one.
It started in the Champions League qualifiers against Malmo last summer for the players and for the men, women and children who spilled into Seville from the four corners of the world to support them. This was their chance to see the class of 2022 become immortal, and over 100,000 made the trip in hope and expectation.
Well before kick-off, the ground swarmed with light blue. An original allocation of just under 9,500 looked fanciful when the sides entered to a cacophony so loud it could wake the dead.
Around two thirds of the stadium swayed, rocked and roared with Scots, leaving their German counterparts and their flag display looking a little humble. Frankfurt were brighter on the pitch, though. They were quick and aggressive, while Rangers appeared nervous.
James Tavernier had flashes on the right, but the intensity which stung Dortmund, Braga and Leipzig was missing. Ansgar Knauff drew a tremendous save from Allan McGregor, then Djibril Sow went close as the German fans raised the noise level in appreciation.
Rangers retaliated through Aribo. Time stopped dead as he wrapped his foot around the ball on the edge of the area. The sight of it flashing by the far post by a foot will race through his mind for a while yet.
Both teams exchanged jabs before Rangers, who survived a VAR penalty scare courtesy of a rash Connor Goldson lunge, landed an incredible blow.
Football may be a game of tactics, money and talent, but at times it can offer up the inexplicable. There is little explanation for Sow's flopped header towards his own goal. Or the stumble from Tuta which allowed Aribo to bustle in on goal.
The Rangers fans held their breath before bursting into life as the ball hit the net after a low finish. Giovanni van Bronckhorst punched the air and roared into the night sky.
Rangers were in control now and that will make the anguish of defeat hurt so much more. The slap in the face came just 12 minutes later, Borre stealing in between Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey to force home a teasing but cheap cross.
Extra time beckoned as Eintracht went for a knockout blow, but Rangers - and their support - roused themselves and should have won it two minutes before penalties.
Substitute Kemar Roofe charged to the goal-line and his deflected cutback fell for Ryan Kent with the goal gaping, but Kevin Trapp's save expelled a giant gasp from the crowd. Tavernier's arcing free-kick in the dying seconds was also palmed away.
Ramsey was a late edition to the match with penalties in mind. The on-loan Juventus man had the opportunity to make it 4-3 in the shootout after Tavernier, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield slotted Rangers' first three kicks, but the Welsh midfielder's tame effort down the middle was whacked away by Trapp.
It would be the only miss of the shootout, as Rangers' marathon run in Europe came to the most agonising of ends in a flurry of white bedlam.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61446268
Rangers suffered an agonising penalty shootout defeat in their fifth European final as Eintracht Frankfurt triumphed in an absorbing Europa League decider.
Rafael Borre crashed in the decisive spot kick after Aaron Ramsey was denied just moments earlier in front of a colossal Rangers support in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Those fans had been euphoric when the Scots took the lead through Joe Aribo's ice-cool second-half finish in the sweltering cauldron in Seville.
However, Borre detonated raucous scenes in a jam-packed Eintracht end 12 minutes later as he steered in a soft equaliser to send this energy-sapping contest to extra time and penalties.
And Rangers' players crumpled to their feet as the 11th-placed side in the Bundesliga prevailed in the shootout, executing five composed penalties to claim their second European trophy and a place in next season's Champions League group stages.
Under a humid Spanish sky, this one seemed written in the stars for Rangers. Their only previous win in Spain came in the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup final, when the Barca Bears stormed past Dynamo Moscow for their first European trophy.
The pilgrimage to Seville in the hope of repeating the feat of Jardine, Stein, Greig and Johnstone was a long and arduous one.
It started in the Champions League qualifiers against Malmo last summer for the players and for the men, women and children who spilled into Seville from the four corners of the world to support them. This was their chance to see the class of 2022 become immortal, and over 100,000 made the trip in hope and expectation.
Well before kick-off, the ground swarmed with light blue. An original allocation of just under 9,500 looked fanciful when the sides entered to a cacophony so loud it could wake the dead.
Around two thirds of the stadium swayed, rocked and roared with Scots, leaving their German counterparts and their flag display looking a little humble. Frankfurt were brighter on the pitch, though. They were quick and aggressive, while Rangers appeared nervous.
James Tavernier had flashes on the right, but the intensity which stung Dortmund, Braga and Leipzig was missing. Ansgar Knauff drew a tremendous save from Allan McGregor, then Djibril Sow went close as the German fans raised the noise level in appreciation.
Rangers retaliated through Aribo. Time stopped dead as he wrapped his foot around the ball on the edge of the area. The sight of it flashing by the far post by a foot will race through his mind for a while yet.
Both teams exchanged jabs before Rangers, who survived a VAR penalty scare courtesy of a rash Connor Goldson lunge, landed an incredible blow.
Football may be a game of tactics, money and talent, but at times it can offer up the inexplicable. There is little explanation for Sow's flopped header towards his own goal. Or the stumble from Tuta which allowed Aribo to bustle in on goal.
The Rangers fans held their breath before bursting into life as the ball hit the net after a low finish. Giovanni van Bronckhorst punched the air and roared into the night sky.
Rangers were in control now and that will make the anguish of defeat hurt so much more. The slap in the face came just 12 minutes later, Borre stealing in between Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey to force home a teasing but cheap cross.
Extra time beckoned as Eintracht went for a knockout blow, but Rangers - and their support - roused themselves and should have won it two minutes before penalties.
Substitute Kemar Roofe charged to the goal-line and his deflected cutback fell for Ryan Kent with the goal gaping, but Kevin Trapp's save expelled a giant gasp from the crowd. Tavernier's arcing free-kick in the dying seconds was also palmed away.
Ramsey was a late edition to the match with penalties in mind. The on-loan Juventus man had the opportunity to make it 4-3 in the shootout after Tavernier, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield slotted Rangers' first three kicks, but the Welsh midfielder's tame effort down the middle was whacked away by Trapp.
It would be the only miss of the shootout, as Rangers' marathon run in Europe came to the most agonising of ends in a flurry of white bedlam.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61446268
Similar threads
