Bassey stunning 10/10 MOTM, Kent 3/10 stinker – Rangers player ratings v Frankfurt
Rangers have lost the 2022 Europa League 5-4 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time against Frankfurt in Seville.
The first half was a closely contested affair with Rangers sitting back looking to counter and Frankfurt dominating the ball, but neither side were able to create any real clear cut chances
Rangers survived a penalty scare on Connor Goldson before Aribo took full advantage of a slip by the Frankfurt defender to slot home and break the deadlock with a cool finish.
The Bundesliga side turned up the pressure and found an equaliser through Rafael Borre with just 20 minutes remaining and took the game to extra-time.
Ryan Kent was denied a winner right at the death before the penalty shootout, where Aaron Ramsey was the villain to miss his penalty.
On such a huge night for the club, who performed best? Here is Ibrox News‘ player ratings for the Europa League final:
Allan McGregor – 6/10
Another reliable performance from the veteran who made some good saves and could do nothing about the Frankfurt equaliser or any of the penalties.
James Tavernier – 6/10
A quiet performance from the skipper, who had his hands full with the opposition wing-back all night. He didn’t get forward as much as usual but defensively did what was asked of him.
Connor Goldson – 4/10
Could have conceded a penalty in the second half and should have done better to cut out the cross for the Frankfurt equaliser. Was sloppy on the ball too and wasn’t his best night individually.
Calvin Bassey – 10/10
A really brilliant performance from the Nigeria international. He was first to everything, filled in well on the left when needed, was good on the ball and made a crucial block at 1-0 too. A brilliant performance.
Borna Barisic – 5/10
Unable to venture forward as much as he’d like and struggled with the pace of the Frankfurt attack. Wasn’t as bad as we’ve seen in the past, but relied on Bassey a lot for help.
John Lundstram – 5/10
Lucky not to be sent off in the opening minutes for a high boot. Positionally was good in midfield but never really got his foot on the ball and when he did, he often punted it long. Not ideal.
Ryan Jack – 5/10
Gave everything while he was on the pitch, but clearly wasn’t fully fit so wasn’t at his best. Gave great commitment in tackles and kept things ticking over on the ball, but could have been braver.
Glen Kamara – 6/10
Solid defensively in midfield and had the legs to go all night. Reliable as ever and a good performance from the Finnish international justified his selection as a starter.
Scott Wright – 4/10
Quiet night for the winger, whose most notable moment was getting a yellow card on the halfway line midway through the second half. Was subbed immediately after that.
Joe Aribo – 7/10
Worked tirelessly for the team despite being out of position and was rewarded with his goal. He was often isolated though and will feel he could have done more when he did have the ball.
Ryan Kent – 3/10
Electric at his best, but the power was out tonight. He never really got a chance to get on the ball and run at the defenders and made very little impact on the game at all and missed a sitter at the death.
Substitutes
Steven Davis – 5/10
Came on and steadied the ship with fresh 37-year-old legs, with his calmness on and off the ball. Solid performance an exactly what you’d expect from him.
Fashion Sakala Jr – 6/10
Was excellent at stretching the game and did well to run in behind and give the midfield an option later in the game. Disappointed to be subbed off before the penalty shootout.
Scott Arfield – 5/10
Good energy throughout extra-time and his versatility helped the side as substitutions were made and they managed the game.
James Sands – 5/10
Came on to help shore up the defence in extra-time and did well when called upon on and off the ball.
Aaron Ramsey – 0/10
Brought on for penalties and missed in the shootout. Useless.
Kemar Roofe – 5/10
Created a huge opportunity within seconds of coming on that Kent missed, and scored his penalty in the shootout. Can’t ask for much more.
In other Rangers news, View: Rangers ace has bought himself an extra 12 months at Ibrox after excellent displays