Rangers advance to the Europa League final after defeating RB Leipzig 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate in their semi-final clash.
James Tavernier and Glen Kamara fired the home side in the first half, putting them ahead in the tie.
Christopher Nkunku answered for the German outfit in the second half with a brilliant finish from Angelino’s cross.
However, John Lundstram was the hero for the Gers as he was on the spot to steer home an effort after Ryan Kent’s cross caused havoc in the box.
In the final, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men will now face off against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Starting lineup:
RANGERS (3-5-2): Allan McGregor; John Lundstram, Connor Goldson, Calvin Bassey; James Tavernier, Ryan Jack, Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, Borna Barisic; Scott Wright, Ryan Kent.
RB LEIPZIG (3-4-3): Peter Gulacsi; Josko Gvardiol, Willi Orban, Lukas Klostermann; Benjamin Henrichs, Konrad Laimer, Kevin Kampl, Angelino; Christopher Nkunku, Dani Olmo, Yussuf Poulsen.
Goals:
1-0!! Tavernier notches his seventh Europa League goal as he coasts in at the back post to steer home a strike into an empty net. Kamara does well to release Kent down the left flank, and the winger fends off two challenges before supplying a cross into the middle. It deflects off a Leipzig defender and falls into the path of Tavernier to score. Game on.
2-0 RANGERS!!!!! The Scottish side takes the lead in the tie courtesy of a finish of pure composure from Kamara. He latches on to a lay-off from Wright on the edge of the Leipzig box and takes on the strike first-time on his left foot. Then, Kamara bends his effort away from Gulacsi into the bottom-left corner to send Ibrox into raptures.
NKUNKU LEVELS THE TIE!!!!!! 2-1 ON THE NIGHT!!!!! Nkunku brings Leipzig on even terms in the tie with a clinical finish from close range. Angelino lifts a dangerous cross into the box from the left flank, and after breaking in behind the Rangers defence, Nkunku steers a strike over McGregor into the back of the net. A fine effort.
3-1 ON THE NIGHT, 3-2 ON AGGREGATE!!!!!! Lundstram is in the right place at the right time to steer a left-footed strike into the net after Kent’s dangerous cross causes havoc in the box. The winger raids down the left flank and digs out a delivery that travels awkwardly to the back post. Gvardiol has to clear it off the line with the back of his head, but the ball lands perfectly for Lundstram to fire home. Ibrox is bouncing.
So, what’s next?
Rangers will face Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on May 18 in the Europa League final.
The Gers are next against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday at Ibrox.
RB Leipzig faces Augsburg in the Bundesliga on the same day on home soil and now needs to push to finish in the top four after their exit tonight.
