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Aaron Ramsey Loses Penalty As Rangers Loses Europa Final To Frankfurt On Penalties
Rangers suffered an agonising penalty shootout defeat in their fifth European final as Eintracht Frankfurt triumphed in an absorbing Europa League decider.
Rafael Borre crashed in the decisive spot kick after Aaron Ramsey was denied just moments earlier in front of a colossal Rangers support in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Those fans had been euphoric when the Scots took the lead through Joe Aribo’s ice-cool second-half finish in the sweltering cauldron in Seville.
However, Borre detonated raucous scenes in a jam-packed Eintracht end 12 minutes later as he steered in a soft equaliser to send this energy-sapping contest to extra time and penalties.
And Rangers’ players crumpled to their feet as the 11th-placed side in the Bundesliga prevailed in the shoot-out, executing five composed penalties to claim their second European trophy and a place in next season’s Champions League group stages.
Under a humid Spanish sky, this one seemed written in the stars for Rangers. Their only previous win in Spain came in the 1972 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, when the Barca Bears stormed past Dynamo Moscow for their first European trophy.
The pilgrimage to Seville in the hope of repeating the feat of Jardine, Stein, Greig and Johnstone was a long and arduous one.
It started in the Champions League qualifiers against Malmo last summer for the players and for the men, women and children who spilled into Seville from the four corners of the world to support them. This was their chance to see the class of 2022 become immortal, and over 100,000 made the trip in hope and expectation.
Well before kick off, the ground swarmed with light blue. An original allocation of just under 9500 looked fanciful when the sides entered to a cacophony so loud it could wake the dead.
Around two thirds of the stadium swayed, rocked and roared with Scots, leaving their German counterparts and their flag display looking a little humble. Frankfurt were brighter on the pitch, though. They were quick and aggressive, while Rangers appeared nervous.
James Tavernier had flashes on the right, but the intensity which stung Dortmund, Braga and Leipzig was missing. Ansgar Knauff drew a tremendous save from Allan McGregor, then Djibril Sow went close as the German fans raised the noise level in appreciation.
Rangers retaliated through Aribo. Time stopped dead as he wrapped his foot around the ball on the edge of the D. The sight of it flashing by the far post by a foot will race through his mind for a while yet.
Both teams exchanged jabs before Rangers, who survived a VAR penalty scare courtesy of a rash Connor Goldson lunge, landed an incredible blow.
Football may be a game of tactics, money and talent, but at times it can offer up the inexplicable. There’s little explanation for Sow’s flopped header towards his own goal. Or the stumble from Tuta which allowed Aribo to bustle in on goal.
The Rangers fans held their breath before bursting into life as the ball hit the net after a low finish. Giovanni van Bronckhorst punched the air and roared into the night sky.
Rangers were in control now and that will make the anguish of defeat hurt so much more. The slap in the face came just 12 minutes later, Borre stealing in between Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey to force home a teasing but cheap cross.
Extra time beckoned as Eintracht went for a knockout blow, but Rangers – and their support – roused themselves and should have won it two minutes before penalties. Substitute Kemar Roofe charged to the goal-line and his deflected cutback fell for Ryan Kent with the goal gaping, but Kevin Trapp’s wonder save expelled a giant gasp from the crowd. Tavernier’s arcing free-kick in the dying seconds was also palmed away.
Ramsey was a late edition to the match with penalties in mind. The on-loan Juventus man had the opportunity to make it 4-3 in the shootout after Tavernier, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield slotted Rangers’ first three kicks, but the Welsh midfielder’s tame effort was whacked away by Trapp’s trailing leg.
It would be the only miss of the shootout, as Rangers’ marathon run in Europe came to the most agonising of ends in a flurry of white bedlam.
Man of the match – Calvin Bassey
What does this mean?
The golden glitter was still falling from the winners’ podium as Rangers’ players remained sat on their hunkers inside an emptying stadium.
The haunted look on the face of McGregor – in what might even be the final game of his career – told its own story. This was the cruellest of endings on what should have been the closing chapter of their finest ever moment.
The teams beaten along the way, and the manner in which they were dealt with, made this run iconic and at times defied logic. Money, tactics, superior players and reality went out the window as Borussia Dortmund were stormed past. Braga were overcome in extra-time drama. And the Ibrox roof nearly crashed in on itself as RB Leipzig were put to the sword.
This one will sting, given the game was in their hands after Aribo’s opener. Eintracht, who knocked out Barcelona and West Ham, threatened to wilt under the pressure. Rangers had them, but the door was left open.
The spurned chances at the death of extra time also offer a cruel pang of “what if” to the punched gut of emotions that will be churning its way through the Rangers team as their flight heads home on Thursday.
In time, that will subside and they will rightly focus on the pride of a team from Scotland making it to a European final from so far back. It’s an incredible feat.
Yet, with the Scottish Cup final in just three days, there will be little time for Van Bronckhorst’s side to salve the sting of this one.
Match stats
- Eintracht become the first German team to win the Uefa Cup/Europa League since Schalke in 1996-97.
- It is their second major European trophy, 42 years after winning the Uefa Cup against Borussia Monchengladbach.
- This was Rangers first shootout defeat in Europe since the 1999-00 Uefa Cup (v Borussia Dortmund in the round of 32).
- Rangers had four shots on target in the second half of extra time – double the amount they had in the first 105 minutes
- Aribo’s goal was his first in the Europa League this season. He became just the second Nigerian player to score in the final of a major European competition, after Alex Iwobi in the 2019 Europa League.
- McGregor became the oldest player to feature in a Uefa Cup/Europa League final (40y 107d). Meanwhile, he’s just the third player aged 40+ to play in a major European final, after Dino Zoff in the 1983 European Cup (41y 86d), and Edwin van der Sar in the 2011 Champions League (40y 211d).
ADELIYI ADEBISI, professionally known as ADEBISI and also recognized as ADEXBARCA, is a UK-based gospel musician, praise leader, songwriter, and music producer dedicated to leading people into authentic worship through music.
With a passion for creating songs that inspire gratitude, faith, and heartfelt praise, ADEBISI has steadily built a growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in contemporary African gospel music. His sound blends Afro-gospel rhythms with powerful worship, delivering songs that resonate across cultures, generations, and languages.
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Over the years, he has released a number of inspiring gospel songs, including Ese Baba, Oluwatamilore, Halleluyah, Give Praise to God, and Jelenke Praise. His latest single, “Receive My Praise (Baba Gbo Ope Mi)”, continues that journey with a vibrant Afro-gospel worship sound that celebrates thanksgiving and wholehearted devotion to God.
As both a songwriter and producer, ADEBISI remains committed to creating original congregational praise music that ministers to listeners worldwide. His mission is simple yet profound: to lead God’s people into genuine, heartfelt praise—one song at a time.
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Nigerian Afrobeats artist and songwriter OJ Sular is bringing his energy, ambition, and street-inspired sound to listeners with the release of his single, Money Vibe. The track reflects his journey, determination, and vision of success while showcasing the unique style that continues to define his growing career.
Born Ojukwu Samuel Arinzechukwu on March 6, 2004, OJ Sular hails from Eha Amufu in Isi Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Widely recognized by his stage names OJ Sular and Big OJ, he has steadily built a reputation as a versatile performer whose music blends Afrobeats, Afropop, Hip Hop, and Drill.
OJ Sular attended Ogbaete Primary School, Eha Ohuala Secondary School, and later Amaenyi Boys Secondary School in Anambra State. His passion for music developed at an early age, leading him to pursue a professional career built on authentic storytelling and energetic performances.
Money Vibe marks one of the defining records in OJ Sular’s musical journey. Originally gaining attention in 2019, the song introduced audiences to his signature sound and earned him recognition among fans who appreciate music that celebrates hard work, ambition, and the determination to rise above life’s challenges. His growing popularity has also earned him the nickname “King of the Street.”
Speaking about the song, OJ Sular said:
“Money Vibe represents the mindset of never giving up. It is about believing in yourself, staying focused on your goals, and working until your dreams become reality. I want listeners to feel motivated every time they hear the song.”
Beyond his work as a recording artist, OJ Sular is the founder of OJ Entertainment, an independent record label dedicated to promoting creativity and supporting emerging talent. His commitment to artistic independence continues to shape his career and vision for the future.
As one of the promising young voices emerging from Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, OJ Sular continues to connect with audiences through honest lyrics, memorable melodies, and performances that reflect both his personal experiences and his aspirations.
Money Vibe is now available on major digital streaming platforms worldwide @ https://ffm.to/oj-sular-money-vibe
About OJ Sular
OJ Sular, born Ojukwu Samuel Arinzechukwu, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist from Enugu State. Known for blending Afrobeats, Afropop, Hip Hop, and Drill, he has established himself as an independent artist with a growing fan base. Performing under the names OJ Sular and Big OJ, he is also the founder of OJ Entertainment, where he continues to create music that inspires, entertains, and represents the voice of a new generation.
It was the very first edition of Electrolytes, and somehow it already felt like a classic. The doors barely opened before the energy took over: glow foam drifting through the crowd, Jäger Energizers passed from hand to hand, strangers becoming dance partners within minutes. This was Lagos nightlife doing what it does best.
DJ Bellami, DJ SKB, DJ Valentino, Big Riki, DJ Instinct, DJ Spizzy, DJ OTB, DJ Xnel, Yanfssss, ReBellyus, Bus yi, and Ephraim (Talking Drummer) kept the crowd moving all night while Hypeman Holyfaze and Toby Shang made sure they stayed locked in from one set to the next. Together, they served up a seamless mix of Afrobeats, Amapiano, House, and global sounds that had guests dancing well into the early hours.
The night was elevated further Jägermeister, Belaire, Lightspeed, MyFlex Tickets, and Buzz & Bants, all of whom helped shape a complete celebration of music, culture, and connection. The event also had backing from The Scar Production, The Scar Bookings, and SDGV Audio. Between signature drink moments, Jäger Energizers making their way through the crowd, and a smoothly run event experience, there was something to enjoy at every turn.
The Scar Radio was founded in 2020 by Fabulous Fabuyi Adeniyi and operates from its studio in Lagos, with network branches in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is part of The Scar Global Group, which includes The Scar Production, The Scar Bookings, SCAR XYZ, and The Scar Accessories. Over the years, the radio station has served as a home for global talents and a launch pad for budding creatives and artistes.
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