Kevin Trapp was the man of the moment as the German gave Eintracht Frankfurt their first European trophy in 43 years with two outstanding saves in the last minute of regular to take the final to extra time.
The 31-year-old was top of his game in last night’s Uefa Europa League final between the Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt at Seville in Spain. Both teams started the game very well but couldn’t produce any exciting moments.
Super Eagles star defender Calvin Bassey was at the heart of things for Rangers in defense, his outstanding interceptions and blocks were spot on to keep Frankfurt at bay in the first half that ended without a goal.
That wasn’t the case for Frankfurt’s defense line as Nigeria midfielder Joe Aribo who played as a striker last night pounced on a misplaced pass to run through the backline before slotting it home past Trapp to give Rangers the lead.
Frankfurt’s in-form forward, Rafael Borre got ahead of his marker to put the ball into the back of the net to give the German side the equalizer in the 69th minute. The tempo of the game went higher than before, heroic moment came in the 89th minute when Kelvin Trapp’s manage to stop Ryan Kent’s effort from six yards out.
The former PSG goalkeeper also saved the free-kick from Ranger’s captain and the competition’s highest James Tavernier two minutes later to send the game into extra time.
The rangers were the better team in extra time but they couldn’t find a way to get past Trapp and the game went on to penalties. The defining moment came when former Arsenal man, Aaron Ramsey’s spot-kick was saved by the legs of Kelvin Trapp to clinch the trophy for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Kelvin Trapp was awarded the man of the match award as his team celebrates their win. In his interview, he has this to say, “I’m so excited for this moment, we have always had the belief as a team and I’m happy we finally did it. This one is for our fans in Germany.
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst said after the game that “it is a painful one for me and my team but we all know penalties is a game of luck and tonight it wasn’t on our good side”.
The Rangers manager said further that his side will try to move on and focus on the Saturday Scottish cup final against Hearts.
Rangers will look to end the season on a high note when they face off against Hearts in Hampden on Saturday.
