Rangers 3-1 Leipzig (agg3-2): Home side reach first European final since 2008

A tremendous performance from Rangers and a late winning goal, in front of a wild Ibrox crowd mourning the loss of kit man Jimmy Bell, sent them into their first European final since 2008.

Match Report

Goals from James Tavernier, Glen Kamara and John Lundstram overturned Leipzig’s first-leg advantage, handing the favourites a surprise defeat; they must now hope to qualify for nest season's Champions League through the Bundesliga, in which they currently sit fifth.

Rangers flew at Leipzig from the off, giving them no time to settle into the game, and though they didn’t create much, it was no great shock when they took the lead, Tavernier arriving at the back post to slide in his seventh goal knockout stages. Then, six minutes later, they scored again, Kamara placing a precise finish into the corner from the edge of the box.

In the second half, Leipzig were much improved, and their equaliser, on 71 minutes, was not unexpected, Christopher Nkunku calmly planting a side footed volley past Allan McGregor. But with Rangers struggling hold out for extra time with 10 minutes left, Ryan Kent stood up a cross to the back post.

Josko Gvardiol cleared from under the bar, and Lundstram collected the loose ball to spank Ibrox into ecstasy.

Line-ups

Rangers XI: A. McGregor, R. Jack, J. Tavernier, Goldson, Lundstram, G. Kamara, B. Barišić, S. Wright, J. Ayodele-Aribo, Kent, Calvin Bassey

Subs: S.Davis, Arfield, J. McLaughlin, Balogun, Ramsey, R. McCrorie, F. Sakala, J. Sands, Amad Diallo Traore, L. King, A. Lowry

Leipzig XI: Gulacsi, Kampl, Poulsen, Orban, Klostermann, Henrichs, Angelino, Laimer, Nkunku, Olmo, J. Gvardiol

Subs: Tschauner, Forsberg, Halstenberg, Andre Silva, Mukiele, Adams, Josep Martínez, D. Szoboszlai, M. Simakan, Hugo Novoa, Sidney Raebiger