The Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville plays host to the highly-anticipated Europa League final on Wednesday night, as Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers face off for a shot at continental glory.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side got the better of RB Leipzig in their semi-final to book their spot in a historic showpiece event, while their German counterparts dashed the West Ham United dream.
Both these teams have come through major obstacles to be in this title showdown for the Europa crown. After coming all this way they will not be willing to go home empty-handed, at least without giving a fierce fight.
For Frankfurt, this is more than just a European final, as they have finished in an unbelievable manner in the German top flight. Placed just 11th in a table of 18 they have no other way to represent the Bundesliga in Europe next season, other than winning the Europa. They will have the confidence though, of knocking out some major European heavyweights along the way. And the best of those would easily be Barcelona, who were considered the favorites to lift this trophy.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have had a good domestic season, despite the title being snatched away from them by arch-rivals Celtic. The team finished second in the Scottish premiership table, trailing four points below the champions.
Form Guide: Frankfurt
Frankfurt have enjoyed more success in Europe though. They have a good history with a European Cup final appearance in 1960. Yes, they lost 7-3 to Real Madrid but at least they got there. 1980 saw them win the Europa League and in 2019, they lost to Chelsea on penalties in the semi-finals of this competition. This season has gone well for them and they won their group by three points from Olympiakos with no defeats, though three of their six games were drawn.
That took them into the last 16 where they beat Real Betis 3-2 on aggregate. They won the away first leg 2-1 but lost 1-0 at home. That took the tie into extra time and Frankfurt got through via the 121st-minute own goal. The quarter-finals saw Frankfurt cause a massive shock as they knocked out Barcelona. The home first leg was drawn 1-1 but Frankfurt went 3-0 up in the second leg and held on for a 3-2 win. The semi-finals saw them win both legs against West Ham United to reach the final. Nine of their last ten games in this competition have seen both teams score.
Form Guide: Rangers
Rangers are in their first European final since 2008. They finished second in the Scottish Premiership this season but would love to win the Europa League. It’d be great for Scottish football and mean they have two teams in the Champions League group stages next season.
Rangers began this season in that competition but were beaten in the qualifying rounds by Malmo. They qualified for the Europa League group stages and finished second behind Lyon. In the last 32, they caused a massive surprise by knocking out Borussia Dortmund. They led 3-0 in the away first leg, eventually winning 4-2. A 2-2 home draw in the second leg saw them eliminate the Germans. The last 16 started well with a 3-0 home win at Ibrox over Red Star Belgrade and despite losing the away second leg 2-1, they were in the last eight.
They also lost the away leg in the quarter-finals, being beaten 1-0 by Braga but fought back to beat them at home 3-1 after extra time. In the semi-finals, they were up against Leipzig and it was more of the same. The away leg was lost 1-0 but they won 3-1 at Ibrox to make it to the final.
How the game could go
Despite their spate of disappointing showings in the Bundesliga, Frankfurt have found a consistent formula for success in the Europa League, but the absence of Hinteregger and concerns over Ndicka’s fitness are not music to the ears of the Adler faithful. Rangers can be far more satisfied with their domestic showings this season, but performances away from Ibrox in the Europa League have been difficult to come by in the knockout rounds, and the extended period of rest may end up working against some of Van Bronckhorst’s crop.
The Gers have done their fans and everyone associated with the club proud by making it to the final, but this may just be a step too far for them, with Frankfurt acclimatized to winning on Spanish turf and boasting the attacking aplomb needed to travel home with the trophy.
Betting Predictions
Over 2.5 Goals
Neither Frankfurt nor Rangers can keep a clean sheet if their life depended upon it. It is the attackers who have kept them afloat and will be in the spotlight again on Thursday evening. Three of the Rangers’ last four outings finished with Over 3.5 total goals. On the other hand, Frankfurt concluded the 2021/22 German top-flight campaign with a four-goal thriller. Given the prolific form of both attacks and the susceptibility of their backline partners, expect a high-scoring conclusion to this fixture. Bet9ja have 1.86, 1xbet have 1.94 and Paripesa have 1.94 odds.
Both teams to score (YES)
There is a very good chance that we will be treated to goals at both ends of the pitch in Wednesday’s Europa League final. Four of Frankfurt’s last six outings in all competitions have seen both teams score and the Germans have only managed to keep one clean sheet during that period. Four of Rangers’ last five outings have seen both teams get on the scoreboard and like Frankfurt, they too have only kept one clean sheet in that time. Bet9ja have 1.66odds, Paripesa have 1.73 and 1xbet have 1.73 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Frankfurt)
Daichi Kamada
A couple of goals here could see Kamada lift the golden boot in this competition here today. He scored several decisive goals in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds respectively which earned his side a spot in the finals here today. He has five goals in the competition this season and he is an important part of this Frankfurt attack. Bet9ja have 4.75 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.90.
Kostic
Filip Kostic could surely be the difference here today for Frankfurt with the forward scoring a brace in their quarterfinal tie against Barcelona. He would be another important member of the attack for Frankfurt as he has the second-most goals for his side in all competitions in their list of forwards. Bet9ja have 4.75 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.32.
Anytime Goalscorer (Rangers)
Tavernier
The defender has taken everyone by surprise yet again this season with his impressive performances. He has managed 18 goals in all competitions for this Rangers side and could undoubtedly be the major difference between these two sides. He is currently in the running to win the golden boot in this competition, with seven goals to his name. Bet9ja have 6.00 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.32.
Sakala
In the absence of two of Ranger’s prominent strikers, we have included the forward to lead the line here today. He has scored 11 goals this season in all competitions for the club and none in this competition. Today could be the day he’ll break his duck and try to win it for his team. Bet9ja have 3.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.10.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
