Europa League Preview: RB Leipzig vs. Rangers
Rangers has been the surprise package of this season’s Europa League. They failed in their attempt to get into the Champions League group stages, losing out to a Malmo side that wasn’t exactly filled with star names. Then, once in Europe’s secondary club competition, they lost to both Lyon and Sparta Prague.
However, since then, they have completely turned it around and they will head into this week’s semi-finals full of optimism.
They are facing a Leipzig side who shown excellent form in Europe over the last few years, even managing to reach the Champions League last four two years ago.
The Germans will be heavy favourites for this clash, but that shouldn’t bother Rangers, as they weren’t fancied for many of their European games thus far this season.
What will worry the Scottish side is the players they are missing for this game. In terms of the first leg, their most potent attacking threat, Alfredo Morelos is out, as is his deputy, Kemar Roofe. Welsh superstar, Aaron Ramey also won’t play.
Fashion Sakala is likely to step in, but whether he will have the guile to get by Leipzig’s solid defence is another matter entirely. The winner of this semi-final tie will go to Seville in May 2022 to play the winner of the West Ham vs Frankfurt game. Find tickets to the Europa League Final here on Seat-Compare.com
The Story So Far
Rangers
Rangers FC scraped second place in their group, behind Lyon and ahead of Sparta Prague and Brondby. Their most impressive performances came in the knockout stages, taking out German superpower, Crvena Zvezda, Borussia Dortmund and defeating Braga after extra time.
Not many gave them a chance in that Dortmund game, but they proved a team full of spirit and tenacity.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig dropped through the Champions League trapdoor to be playing in the Europa League. They finished third in a difficult group, which included PSG, Manchester City and Club Brugge.
From there, their run included wins over Spartak Moscow, Sociedad and Atalanta.
Key Players: Rangers
Ryan Kent
In the absence of Morelos, Rangers will be relying on former Liverpool player, Ryan Kent, for inspiration. The winger can be frustrating in front of goal, but there is little doubt he will be heavily relied upon in this tie.
A creative and pacy player, he will need to be more direct than usual considering Rangers absentee list.
Fashion Sakala
Sakala is a striker with raw talent and pace. Rangers fans will hope he comes of age in this European semi-final. He had a good game against Motherwell in a recent Scottish Premier League game, but he will have to be even better if he is to unlock the RB Leipzig defence.
RB Leipzig
Christopher Nkunku
French international, Christopher Nkunku is a world class striker and one that can dismantle Rangers’ defence. If he is at his best, the Scottish side will have their hands full.
He has scored three times in just four Europa League games this season, but will be hoping to add to his tally over the two legs.
Who Will Win?
Considering the players that Rangers are missing, it is difficult to see them getting by this stage. However, they have surprised us before this season. Nonetheless, we think this is the end of the road for the Scottish side.
