Frankfurt’s wait is over – won after penalty drama

Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp saved Aarona Ramsey’s penalty, Rangers fourth, and when then Rafael Borré distinctly sent in the ball behind Allan McGregor it was over.

And then above all the Bundesliga club’s and fans’ wait for a new European title.

– I can not believe it, I can not believe it … We are champions, says Trapp to Viaplay.

The Europa League victory is Frankfurt’s first European title since 1980, when Mönchengladbach was knocked back thanks to more away goals in the UEFA Cup final.

Messy charge

The charge before the final in Seville was massive – and messy.

About 150,000 fans, most of them without a ticket, were said to have been in the Spanish city to attend when, for the first time in many years, their club had the chance to win a European title.

The night before Wednesday, there were fights and Spanish police arrested some German football supporters after clashes with Scottish fans.

Those who had a ticket then experienced a locked and cautious start at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium.

The hottest situation of the first half: John Lundstram set up the screwdrivers high and hit Sebastian Rode in the head.

After having his blood wiped, bandaged and changed his shirt, the German 31-year-old was ready to play again.

Then the final offered some half-positions here and there, but not much more.

Stairs Frankfurt hero

Until the 57th minute.

Then Joe Aribo took the chance after Tuta misjudged the nod from Djibril Sow and fell – which led to the free position that Aribo easily, coolly placed behind goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.

Frankfurt pulled back and equalized twelve minutes later when Rafael Borré got the foot on Filip Kostic’s input from the left wing.

Then the match picture was again as in the first half: locked and careful, which led to extra time and also – despite Ryan Kent’s position with two minutes left – penalties.

There, Frankfurt’s goalkeepers Kevin Trapp and Rafael Borré decided.