Borré breaks Rangers hearts in Europa League Final

After 120 minutes of tense action, Eintracht Frankfurt took home the Europa League trophy following a penalty shootout.

Frankfurt were on top for the opening exchanges, with Ansgar Knauff having a decent effort saved by Alan McGregor on 20 minutes.

Rangers grew into the game, though, and after they pushed the Germans more towards the end of the first half, it was the Scots who drew first blood in the second half, with Joe Aribo capitalising on a Tuta slip to race through and slot the ball home past Kevin Trapp in goal.

Daichi Kamada had an opportunity ten minutes later to equalise, but the Japanese midfielder’s lobbed shot didn’t dip in time, and landed atop the net.

Within three minutes of that chance, Rafael Santos Borré hauled the Eagles back into it, sticking Filip Kostic’s cross into the net with twenty minutes to go.

With neither side able to change the score line, the game headed into extra time.

Kevin Trapp was the hero for Frankfurt, as in the 118th minute, Ryan Kent’s shot from less than six yards out was miraculously saved by the outstretched leg of the former-PSG ‘keeper.

Onto penalties it went, and following four brilliantly taken spot-kicks, Aaron Ramsey rolled a poor effort straight at Kevin Trapp’s legs. Rangers scored their next two, but McGregor was unable to keep out a powerful effort from Borré, who wheeled away in celebration as his penalty secured the trophy for his team.

Commiserations to Rangers, and congratulations to Frankfurt, who take home their second Europa League crown

It’s heartbreak for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men, who have been on an intense journey to reach the final. The game was definitely there to be won, with that Kent chance in the closing minutes likely to haunt them, along with Ramsey’s penalty.

However, it is absolute joy for Eintracht Frankfurt, who are equally deserving of their victory following an extremely impressive run to the final, including wins over favourites West Ham and Barcelona.

Oliver Glasner’s side have put in an outstanding display over the entire season, and will be ecstatic that they have, against all the odds, secured a place in next season’s Champions League, despite finishing 11th in the Bundesliga this year.

The Germans can rest now, with their season completed in its entirety following last night’s grand European finale.

As for Rangers, they must recover from their disappointment quickly, as although their league campaign is over, finishing second, four points behind a resurgent Celtic side, they must still face Hearts in the Scottish Cup Final just two days from now on Saturday 21 May.

Both sides put on a fantastic showing on route to the final, and were deserving finalists. Commiserations to Rangers, and congratulations to Frankfurt, who take home their second Europa League crown.