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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Paul Thomson

Rangers Europa League final heartbreak leaves Ally McCoist crestfallen

Crestfallen Ally McCoist insists Rangers fans must look back on the club's Europa League journey with great pride after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in tonight's final.

The Light Blues took the lead in sweltering Seville through Joe Aribo early in the second half, but the Germans forced extra-time when Raefael Borre netted in the 69th minute.

Ryan Kent almost won it for Rangers in the dying moments of extra-time but his close range effort was superbly saved by Kevin Trapp to take the contest to the dreaded shootout.

Welsh international Aaron Ramsey, who was brought on as a late substitute with a view to taking a spot kick, was the only player to miss from 12 yards and Borre rifled the decisive kick to earn a 5-4 win.

And reflecting on an agonisinging result for Rangers, which saw Uddingston's Alex Lowry pick up a silver medal as part of the Rangers squad, East Kilbride native Coisty said: "The boys will be heartbroken.

"You can see it in the supporter’s faces as well. I feel absolutely gutted for them. They put so much into that game.

"I thought they were the stronger team at the end but it wasn’t to be, and what a chance. Ryan Kent had to win it - what a chance to win it.

“But I’ve got to say, the quality of the penalty kicks, especially from Frankfurt, is absolutely first class..

“It’s a massive disappointment, clearly, but at the same time we’ve got to look to the bigger picture of what these boys achieved.

“These boys have achieved something incredible. Think of the nights they’ve given us - the nights against Dortmund, against Red Star Belgrade, against Leipzig - phenomenal nights.

"Every one of them can be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Rangers will now need to pick themselves up quickly for Saturday's Scottish Cup final at Hampden against Hearts as they aim to finish the season with some silverware.

McCoist added: Of course, it’s a disappointment, but they’ve got another cup final on Saturday.

"The boys will be gutted, I feel for them as they put so much into the game.

"It wasn't a great first half in terms of the quality of football but that may be down to both teams doing very well without the ball.

"What became clear very early on is that Frankfurt are a very good side."

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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