The Europa League final in Seville was a night of raw emotion, dramatic twists, and ultimate heartbreak for Rangers. In a match that went the distance, it was Eintracht Frankfurt who ultimately triumphed in a penalty shootout, leaving the Scottish giants to reflect on what might have been. Our expert team at Baji999 breaks down the individual performances that shaped this epic encounter, going beyond the scoreline to analyze the tactical battles and pivotal moments that decided the destiny of the trophy.
A Goalkeeper’s Agony
Allan McGregor – 6
The veteran shot-stopper’s emotion at the final whistle was a powerful image that encapsulated Rangers‘ night. He came agonizingly close to being the hero in the shootout, getting a hand to one of Frankfurt’s penalties, but it wasn’t to be. Earlier, he had been sharp to deny Ansgar Knauff’s early strike and could do nothing about Rafael Borre’s well-placed equalizer, a moment that ultimately changed the complexation of the match.
Defensive Analysis
James Tavernier – 6
The captain stepped up first in the shootout and converted his penalty, but during the 120 minutes, he wasn’t quite at the phenomenal level he displayed throughout the tournament. Uncharacteristic giveaways in the first half put his side under pressure. While he grew into the game, the marauding runs and magical deliveries that defined his campaign were largely contained by Frankfurt’s disciplined defense.
Connor Goldson – 6
Goldson will rue being a step out of position for Frankfurt’s crucial equalizing goal, which gave Rafael Borre the space he needed to strike. He looked nervy during a frantic opening period, with a couple of moments causing anxiety for the travelling support. However, he recovered well and was part of a defensive unit that generally limited Frankfurt to very few clear-cut chances throughout the match.
Calvin Bassey – 8
The undisputed standout performer for Rangers. For a 22-year-old on the biggest stage of his career, Bassey’s display was nothing short of phenomenal. He was a colossus at the back—making crucial clearances, winning recovery tackles, and producing vital blocks. Although he was just beaten to the ball for Frankfurt’s goal, his overall performance announced him as a defender of world-class potential. As one Baji999 pundit noted, “This won’t be his last European final; his composure under pressure was exceptional.”
Borna Barisic – 6
The Croatian looked utterly devastated when an injury forced him off deep into extra time. His attacking influence was limited to a couple of promising first-half crosses, and he was occasionally caught giving too much space to Frankfurt’s wingers early on. Despite this, he put in a solid, if unspectacular, shift before his unfortunate exit.
Midfield Mastery and Misfortune
John Lundstram – 7
Lundstram gave everyone an early scare with a high boot that caught Frankfurt captain Sebastian Rode, but he escaped punishment. From there, he delivered an exhausting, all-action performance in the Spanish heat. He tested goalkeeper Kevin Trapp with a first-half header and was instrumental in breaking up play. It was no surprise to see him struggling with cramp late on, a testament to his immense work rate.
Ryan Jack – 6
The midfielder was effective in breaking up play and recycling possession in the engine room. However, he will be kicking himself for a missed opportunity just before halftime, blasting over the bar from the edge of the box when completely unmarked. He was substituted as Frankfurt began to seize control in the latter stages.
Glen Kamara – 7
Kamara stepped up magnificently, putting in a tireless shift in demanding conditions. He was intelligent in possession, cleverly drawing fouls to relieve pressure, and nearly replicated his semi-final heroics with a shot that was well-blocked. A fine performance that underlined his importance to this Rangers side.
Scott Wright – 6
Wright started brightly, using his trickery to help Rangers progress up the pitch and almost playing in Joe Aribo early on. However, he failed to consistently trouble the Frankfurt backline and will be disappointed with his role in the equalizer, where he could have done more to prevent the cross. He was replaced after 74 minutes.
Attacking Threats and The One That Got Away
Joe Aribo – 8
For so long, it looked like Aribo would be the unlikely hero who etched his name into Rangers folklore. Deployed as a false nine, he showcased incredible composure to pounce on a defensive error from Tuta and slot the ball home to send the Rangers end into delirium. It was a textbook striker’s finish from a midfielder, and he battled valiantly against a physical Frankfurt defense all night.
Ryan Kent – 6
The name on everyone’s lips after the final whistle. In the dying moments of extra time, Kent found himself with the golden chance to win the trophy. Surging onto Kemar Roofe’s cross, he seemed destined to score, only to be denied by an incredible save from Kevin Trapp. It was a moment that defined the fine margins of elite football. Kent had been a persistent threat all game, but this is the chance he, and every Rangers fan, will replay in their minds.
Impact from the Bench
Steven Davis – 7
Brought on for his vast experience, the Northern Irishman immediately settled into the midfield battle. He had a couple of efforts in extra time and displayed immense nerve to convert an excellent penalty in the shootout.
Fashion Sakala – 6
Introduced to inject pace and direct running against tiring legs, Sakala made himself a nuisance but couldn’t find the decisive breakthrough before being substituted himself late on.
Kemar Roofe – 7
His introduction nearly won the game. With his first touch, he delivered the perfect cross for Kent’s monumental chance. He also scored his penalty, but the heavy strapping on his leg indicated why a start was never a realistic option.
Aaron Ramsey – 3
A tragic chapter in a disappointing loan spell. The decision to bring a player on solely for a penalty shootout has backfired for many teams, and it did so again here. Ramsey’s only contribution was three minutes of extra time and the missed spot-kick that decided the final. Questions will rightly be asked about whether his talents should have been introduced earlier in the contest.
A dejected Aaron Ramsey after his missed penalty handed the trophy to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Rangers Europa League Final Player Ratings: Heartbreak in Seville as Baji999 Analysis Reveals Key Moments
In the end, Rangers fell just short of immortality. The player ratings tell a story of a team that fought valiantly, with heroes like Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo rising to the occasion, but ultimately being undone by fine margins and a cruel twist of fate in the penalty shootout. The journey was historic, but the finale was heartbreak. What did you make of the performances? Were you surprised by any of the tactical decisions? Share your thoughts with the Baji999 community below.
