Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 10:52 PM• Mart van Mourik

RB Leipzig has won the first game in the semi-final of the Europa League. In the Red Bull Arena it looked for a long time that Rangers would pull out a draw, but in the 85th Angeliño made the decision: 1-0. Next Thursday, the team of coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have the opportunity to compensate for the defeat Scotland.

Trainer Domenico Tedesco was unable to use or at least three suspended basic forces. In the center of the defense, Willi Orban was replaced by Benjamin Henrichs, while Josko Gvardiol took over for Mohamed Simakan. In midfield, Lukas Klostermann returned from injury and replaced the suspended Kevin Kampl. Contrary to the won quarterfinal match with SC Braga (3-1), Van Bronckhorst did not have Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe. Instead of the duo, Glen Kamara and Scott Wright, respectively, were lined up.

Van Bronckhorst had sent his team onto the field with a clear message, as it turned out after ten minutes of football. The Scots slumped far back and made the spaces very small, giving RB Leipzig hardly a chance to create any danger. The home team had only one good opportunity in the first company. After more than half an hour of play, the falling ball caromed in front of Angeliño’s feet, who, however, did not manage to get the leather between the posts. Although the Rangers continued to defend in a disciplined manner in the second half, goalkeeper Allan McGregor finally had to capitulate in the 85th minute.

RB Leipzig had already been able to take the lead twice through Christopher Nkunku, but the striker lacked sharpness and fortune in the completion. After a corner kick from the right, Angeliño got the ball at his feet on the edge of the box. The left back didn’t think twice and suddenly completed the ball in the bottom left corner: 1-0. Rangers subsequently failed to level the score.