Eintracht Frankfurt vs Rangers

Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is set to host its first major European final since 2003 as Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers go head-to-head in the Europa League showpiece.

Even though they had to settle for a first bottom-half Bundesliga finish in five years, Frankfurt could still make history this season and become the first-ever German side to win the Europa League. Forty-two years since conquering the UEFA Cup, ‘Die Adler’ will be out to maintain their unbeaten continental record on Spanish soil (W4, D1) and take home the first European silverware in the 21st century. Oliver Glasner’s lads have enjoyed a stellar Europa League campaign thus far, reaching the grand final without suffering a single defeat from the group stage to the final (W7, D5). Except for a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce on Matchday 6, Frankfurt have won their remaining five Europa League games outside Germany this term, including all three in the knock-out stages. Interestingly, Frankfurt’s two previous European meetings with Rangers have yielded overwhelming victories, both of which saw them score precisely six goals.

On the other hand, Rangers have emerged as a surprise package in this season’s Europa League, as last season’s Scottish Premiership champions are set for their first appearance in a major European final since a 2-0 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup showpiece. Not even the most die-hard ‘Gers’ supporters would have hoped to watch their side in the final following a topsy-turvy group stage campaign that witnessed them finish runners-up to Lyon in Group A. However, Rangers’ intimidating continental form at Ibrox Stadium has been a formula for success, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men have won three out four Europa League knock-out games at home (D1). Playing outside Glasgow has proved daunting, though, as they’ve racked up just one win from 11 continental travels this Europa League campaign (D3, L7), qualifying included.