A SUPERB ANGELINO volley grabbed RB Leipzig a 1-0 home win over a dogged Rangers side in their Europa League semi-final, first leg on Thursday.
The Spaniard powered home a sweet left-footed strike five minutes from time at the Red Bull Arena to breach Rangers’ stubborn defence.
Leipzig had struggled to break the deadlock as Rangers restricted them to just 10 shots despite boasting 70 percent possession.
The Germans will be looking to reach their first European final — in Seville on May 18 against either Eintracht Frankfurt or West Ham — in next Thursday’s return game in Glasgow.
However, this was a below-par display from the hosts, who had a 15-game unbeaten run ended last Saturday when they conceded two late goals at home to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.
ANGELINO! 💥
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 28, 2022
What a hit! 👏
RB Leipzig hit Rangers late on!#RBLRFC | #UEL pic.twitter.com/vlnKXh3iax
Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco started with a three-man attack of Dani Olmo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku, with both Andre Silva and Yussuf Poulsen left on the bench.
Rangers’ back four sucked up everything the Leipzig attack threw at them early on, with Gers captain James Tavernier throwing himself into countless tackles.
A quarter of an hour had passed before the hosts created the first clear chance, but Nkunku could not get his shot away.
Both teams had opportunities early in the second half.
Ryan Kent fired just wide after dribbling into the area, then Tavernier had a shot charged down for the visitors.
Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor turned 40 in January, but he showed great reactions to block a powerful shot from Nkunku, who later fired wide with the goal at his mercy.
With 20 minutes left, Leipzig boss Tedesco swapped Olmo for Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg.
USA midfielder Tyler Adams fired over just before Angelino settled the first leg when a corner was cleared to the wing-back, whose volley flew past McGregor.
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How long until Mel comments??
@Johnny Ryan: lad I’m seriously flattered by how much you think about me. Living in your head rent free.
@Roberts Mel: ahhh there it is, only took 20 mins for the beast of the 42 to comment lovely stuff
@Roberts Mel: might mute you now. Sick of you saying I’ve 31 accounts
@Roberts Mel: poor Mel. Everyone hates Tyrone.
@Bruce van der Gutschmitzer: everyone got a good laugh at that comedy in Castlebar last night
@Roberts Mel: Why was it a comedy..a good exciting match to watch that went down to the wire.. Unlike some games that are over way way before that.
@Johnny Ryan: why! Do you have only 30?
@Hans Vos: waffling clown
Mayo??
@BMJF: or do Mayo come to qualifiers at next stage as a losing provincial semi finalist?
@BMJF: next round
@Roberts Mel: Everyone just wants to know when Mayo are playing again