The 2022 Europa League final is now set, and it will be Eintracht Frankfurt against Rangers on May 18 in Seville, Spain. Thursday's semifinal second legs produced one match that seemed fairly straight forward and another that was wild until the final whistle blew.
In Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt won the second leg over West Ham 1-0, advancing 3-1 on aggregate as their fans stormed the pitch at full time. The Hammers played over 70 minutes a man down following Aaron Cresswell's first-half red card. West Ham manager David Moyes was also shown red for kicking a ball violently in the second half. Colombian striker Rafael Santos Borre scored in the 26th minute to cement the tie.
Over at the Ibrox, Rangers came from behind to beat RB Leipzig, advancing 3-2 on aggregate. The first leg saw Rangers fall 1-0 in Germany, but a 3-1 win in the second leg sees them return to a European final for the first time since 2008. Rangers were up 2-0 before the half-hour mark, but Christopher Nkunku had pulled the visitors level on aggregate in the 70th minute before John Lundstram's dramatic winner 10 minutes from time.
Here's what to know:
They've waited a long time for this moment, and boy are they deserving. The talent-rich squad of RB Leipzig was expected to advance to the final after seeing out this second leg, but an incredible atmosphere at home gave Rangers the clear early advantage. Our CBS Sports correspondent James Benge was there, and he could feel the press section of the stadium actually shaking.
Rangers would go up in the 18th minute via James Tavernier before Glen Kamara's delightful low finish in the 24th minute, putting all of the pressure on the visitors. But Leipzig managed to get their goal despite putting just two of their 11 shots on frame with Nkunku's delightful finish 20 minutes from time drawing level.
With extra time looking likely, it was Lundstram's attentive finish on a loose ball in the box that proved to be the winner.
Here's how things looked at full time:
And here's the winning goal:
If Rangers reaching their first final since 2008 is impressive? How about 1980? That was the UEFA Cup final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Monchengladbach, which Eintracht won on penalty kicks. That was the last time they made a European final, but they are back with a convincing performance. They were sound defensively for much of the 180 minutes and pulled off an upset few saw coming.
Their fans, of course, lost if at full time. Take a look:
The goal by Santos Borre in the first half gave Eintracht a ton of breathing room to see out the match with West Ham struggling with their precision when needed.
Here's the goal:
Kamara's goal for Rangers, which gave them the lead at 2-1 on aggregate, was absolutely delightful, but the finish was even better. The Finnish midfielder produced a delightful low placed shot for his goal and immediately ran to the corner flag, taking off his black armband and kissing it in the process.
That was as tribute to Jimmy Bell, the club's much-loved kit man who passed away this week at the age of 69.
Here's the sweet moment:
Chills.
So now all eyes will be on the final set for May 18, and kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+). The game will take place at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, and a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage will be on the line. It's high stakes for two teams that haven't been in UCL in a long time. Eintracht have not been there since 1959-60, when it was known as the European Cup. Rangers were last in the UCL group stage in 2010-11 and have been regulars despite the recent drought.
Date: Thursday, May 5 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Ibrox -- Glasgow, United Kingdom
TV and live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Rangers +260; Draw +250; RB Leipzig +100 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt advance! They'll meet in the final on May 18! Well deserved from both! Eintracht had little trouble with West Ham, while it's a historic win for Rangers, coming from behind after the first leg to make it! They are back in the final for the first time since 2008!
The English midfielder finishes inside the box on a loose ball! They have retaken the lead on aggregate with just a little time to go!!!! 10 minutes for RB Leipzig to try and pull level!
The manager has kicked the ball away, and it looked like towards the Eintracht bench! And he's shown a straight red!
A fine finish inside the box by the young Frenchman! A lovely finish with one touch, sending a delightful effort into the right side of the goal!!!
About a half an hour for West Ham and RB Leipzig to turn their ties around. West Ham have produced an xG of 0.99 on four shots and have been close, but they must get something going now. They aren't seeing much of the ball, which is limiting their chances. As for RB Leipzig, they have a 0.78 xG and are only a goal away from tying the match on aggregate.
Fashion Jr. gets on the end of a good ball in at the heart of the box, and it goes just by the right post! Fairly close that. One more from Rangers may just be the dagger!
RB Leipzig need a goal, and West Ham need two ... just to force extra time. They have 45 minutes to do so.
Down a man, they did some close to getting a goal on a fortunate deflection, but since then Eintracht have been able to mark well and escape danger. The Hammers HAVE to roll the dice now.
