Eintracht Frankfurt won their first European title in 42 years by beating Rangers last Wednesday, in the UEFA Europa League final in Seville. The German team tied the Scottish 1-1 and went on to win during the penalty shootout 5-4.
Midfielder Joe Aribo, who played as a central striker, gave Rangers the lead at 57 minutes. Former River Plate star player, Rafael Santos Borre leveled for the Bundesliga team to award the game some extra time. In the 118th minute, Kevin Trapp pulled off an incredible save denying Ryan Kent a point-blank range goal, the remaining additional minutes were goalless, resulting in the game going to penalties.
Trapp was again Frankfurt’s hero in the shootout, saving a spot-kick from Aaron Ramsey to help his side prevail 5-4.
To earn this cup, Frankfurt had to beat Real Betis, Barcelona, and West Ham in previous rounds.
This victory awarded them qualification for next season’s Champions League group stage, despite having finished 11th in Germany’s Bundesliga.
This is the second time Frankfurt have won the Europa League, back in 1980 they won a previous UEFA Cup.
After the victory, Rafael Borré dedicated some emotional words to his children, saying “It’s a beautiful experience. I wish my children will also remember this their entire life.”
“I feel happy and emotional. I had dreamed of a historic night for the team and for me. This is my first European championship, and I’m filled with happiness to have been able to help the team,” he expressed.
“We have played against huge teams, it was a very tough final game, and I did not imagine this, but I knew that with my experience, and in these kinds of competitions that I like, I would be able to help the team. Today it came true, and now it’s time to enjoy,” he added.
