Kevin Trapp made two crucial saves in the last minutes of the game to send the match into penalties before making another heroic save by stopping Aaron Ramsey’s penalty.
The former PSG goalie who is on his second stint at the Frankfurt, 31, provided the crucial stop in the shootout but there were two incredible saves in the last minutes of extra-time which ensured the match go to penalties. Trapp managed to put a stop to Ryan Kent effort off a cross from six yards out.
Two minutes later, The German kept out James Tavernier’s free-kick which seemed to be heading for the top corner.
The most defining moment was when Trapp kept his cool to throw a leg out and deny former Arsenal midfielder, Ramsey, from the spot to seal his club’s first European trophy in 43 years.
“With penalties it’s a lottery – tonight we weren’t on the good side,” Rangers Manager, Van Bronckhorst said.
“I can’t complain with everything my players gave today. If you play a lot of big finals you will have memories that last for ever when you win them, but when you lose it will hurt a lot. I lost a World Cup final.”
Rangers looked like a side that could win it in the extra time, they would have believed a goal was coming had they played on. They now have to lift themselves for Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final against Hearts at Hampden. It will be difficult.
“We have to move on. We have a big game on Saturday and next season we have to start all over again.”
“It’s not going to be easy to get them ready because we are hurt and disappointed,” the Rangers boss added.
“We did it a couple of times, to play with a short recovery – two days. We fly home tomorrow and we have only one day to prepare. It won’t be easy but we will be ready for Saturday and [try to] end the season with a trophy.”
Joe Aribo gave Rangers the lead in the 57th minute as he capitalized on a defensive error. He struck the ball to the bottom corner of the net leaving the keeper helpless.
Rangers celebration was shortlived when Kostic put in a brilliant cross for the Colombian striker, Rafael Boore, to hit to back of the net in the 69th minute.
“It’s a hard one to take,” said midfielder John Lundstram to BT Sport. “I thought we could have played better. It’s hard to perform on a big stage like this, it’s nervous for everyone. I’m just severely disappointed.”
“To let everyone down is just heartbreaking.”
OJB SPORT 