Result
A stout defensive display on the part of Scottish heavyweights Rangers ultimately proved to be in vain this evening, as the Light Blues were put to the sword by a frankly superior RB Leipzig outfit.
The two sides went toe-to-toe at the Red Bull Arena a short time ago, aware that securing a first-leg advantage could prove absolutely vital in ultimately booking a spot in the Europa League’s showpiece occasion.
And, when all was said and done, it was the evening’s hosts who emerged with precisely that.
A solitary goal proved all that was needed to put Rangers on the back foot ahead of next week’s return leg in Glasgow, lashed home by former Manchester City man Angelino in stunning fashion five minutes from time:
Rangers’ resolve is broken! ?
Angeliño rifles the ball in from outside the box to give Leipzig the advantage.#UEL pic.twitter.com/4UBNApwZoM
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2022
In truth, though, had it not been for repeated profligacy on the part of Leipzig’s attackers, then the result could have proven far more lopsided.
Rangers’ hearts collectively skip a beat! ?
Christopher Nkunku blazes the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.#UEL pic.twitter.com/nglO95TySV
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2022
Nevertheless, it remains all to play for in front of what will no doubt prove a raucous Ibrox crowd a week from today.
Player Ratings
RB Leipzig
Peter Gulacsi – 6
Lukas Klostermann – 7
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Marcel Halstenberg – 6.5
Benjamin Henrichs – 7
Tyler Adams – 7.5
Konrad Laimer – 6.5
Angelino – 8
Dani Olmo – 6.5
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Christopher Nkunku – 6.5
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – APRIL 28: Angelino celebrates with teammates after scoring during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final Leg One match between RB Leipzig and Rangers at Football Arena Leipzig on April 28, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)
Rangers
Allan McGregor – 6.5
James Tavernier – 6
Connor Goldson – 5.5
Calvin Bassey – 6
Borna Barisic – 6.5
Ryan Jack – 6.5
John Lundstram – 6
Joe Aribo – 7
Glen Kamara – 7
Ryan Kent – 6.5
Scott Wright – 5.5
What the players said
“It’s one great strike, but we could have prevented it.
“We know 1-0 going to Ibrox we’re still well in the game. We know what we can produce at home with our fans behind us.”
James Tavernier remains confident Rangers can turn this tie around in Glasgow.
? @Sports_EmmaD#UEL pic.twitter.com/EBaGaobN5m
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2022
“We know what can happen at Ibrox and we’ll have the fans backing us 100%.
“We can’t wait for it.”
Joe Aribo insists Rangers still have plenty to play for as he shifts his focus to Thursday’s second leg after a 1-0 defeat.
? @Sports_EmmaD#UEL pic.twitter.com/lIgLUF6XOK
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2022
What the fans said
Said from the start I’ll be content to go back to Ibrox 1-0 down… this is such a winnable Semi Final. Aslong as the right Rangers turn up with the crowd fully behind them, this’ll be ours to take ?⚪️?
— Cameron Taylor (@CamDGTaylor) April 28, 2022
Not the worst result in the end, still in the tie but we lacked so much quality going forward also that pitch was an absolute disgrace tonight never seen so many players slip about in my life.
— GC66 (@gavincook_66) April 28, 2022
I’ll take it
But never play Scott Wright in Europe again.
— – (@Rfc1872I) April 28, 2022
By no means a disaster and definitely game on next week BUT we need to drop mccgregor….for me that corner with nobody near him he has to come and collect and take all the pressure off the team….happens to many times
— Peter Adam (@petera1872) April 28, 2022
Well done lads. Its always hard to score loads when a team parks the bus. But you did it and at the perfect time. All German final incoming.
— ShinyBat95 (rebranding) (@DanielMcArdle3) April 28, 2022
yous outplayed us for majority of the 90, deserved to win
— the (@CrookVsTheWorld) April 28, 2022
What you may have missed
Rangers fans marching to the Red Bull Arena ahead of their match against RB Leipzig ?? pic.twitter.com/g2Fsh2omtl
— Casual Ultra (@thecasualultra) April 28, 2022
Player Ratings, fan reaction & more: West Ham suffer woodwork woes as Eintracht secure first-leg advantage
Cristiano Ronaldo earns Manchester United a valuable point in lopsided draw against Chelsea: Player Ratings
