Eintracht Frankfurt top Rangers on penalties to win Europa League

Sports Desk, May 18 (EFE).- Wednesday’s Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers went to penalties and the German side prevailed to win their first European title in 42 years.

The teams were deadlocked 1-1 after playing more than 120 minutes in temperatures hovering around 31 C (88 F) at Seville’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.

Rangers took the lead in the 57th minute on a goal by Joe Aribo, who exploited a blunder by defender Tuta. Rafael Santos Borre brought Eintracht level in the 69th with an assist from Filip Kostic.

James Tavernier had a chance to win it for Rangers with a free kick from just outside the box on the final play of the second overtime, but Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp got across in time to turn aside what was an outstanding effort.

Trapp also loomed large in the shootout, which stood at 3-3 when Aaron Ramsey kicked for Rangers and the German keeper made the save.

Kostic and Borre went on to convert from the spot and the trophy went to Eintracht, who can add it to their only other continental prize, the 1980 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Rangers, meanwhile, will have to wait at least another year to end a European title draught that goes back to 1972. EFE cc/dr