May 06, (THEWILL) – Glasgow Rangers advanced to the UEFA Europa League final with a thrilling 3-1 win over RB Leipzig at home on Thursday night, writing another chapter in the club’s storied history.
James Tavernier, the defender who has been on a scoring spree, triggered an outburst in the 18th minute, pushing Rangers ahead on the night and wiping out RB Leipzig’s first-leg advantage.
After Glen Kamara turned away from Kevin Kampl in midfield, Ryan Kent rolled the ball across goal for Tavernier to sneak in unnoticed.
Rangers went ahead on aggregate after the Finland international quickly followed up his cameo role in the first goal with an effortless stroke into the bottom corner, crisply finishing off a slick passing sequence that began with a high press that was indicative of their front-foot approach all over the pitch.
Within half an hour, Nigeria international Joe Aribo nearly tripled the hosts’ lead. Tavernier grabbed at the ball inside the six-yard box after nodding down Borna Barisic’s cross at the back post, but his weaker right foot barely connected.
The men in blue stepped off the gas after the break, relinquishing control to Leipzig and switching to a 5-4-1 off the ball, much to the delight of the spectators.
Rangers’ slowness and porous form, rather than irritating the visitors, offered Leipzig plenty of opportunities to pick out passes in the open space between the lines.
Leipzig put one in in the 71st minute, seconds after Allan McGregor denied Konrad Laimer their first goal. Christopher Nkunku silkily volleyed in Angelino’s cross.
Rangers managed to get themselves off the pressure going under ten minutes. Kent was at the heart of the Gers’ danger in the second phase of a set-piece, putting in a high ball that Josko Gvardiol shakily headed into the six-yard box, sitting up for John Lundstram to stride forward and slot his team back ahead.
The Scottish champions held on to reach their first European final since 2008, to mark the unexpected passing away of long-serving and much-loved kit man Jimmy Bell.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
