Brilliant Angelino winner gives Leipzig edge over Rangers

RB Leipzig beat Rangers 1-0 at home in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday thanks to a magnificent Angelino volley.

The Spaniard broke Rangers’ staunch defence with a stunning left-footed strike five minutes from time at the Red Bull Arena.

Leipzig had been unable to break the deadlock, with Rangers limiting them to only 10 shots despite having 70% control.

In next Thursday’s return game in Glasgow, the Germans will be aiming to reach their first European final, which will be played in Seville on May 18 against either Eintracht Frankfurt or West Ham.

The hosts, on the other hand, had their 15-game unbeaten streak snapped last Saturday when they surrendered two late goals at home to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.

Dani Olmo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Christopher Nkunku formed a three-man attack for Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco, who left Andre Silva and Yussuf Poulsen on the bench.

Rangers’ back four soaked up all the Leipzig onslaught could throw at them early on, with Gers skipper James Tavernier slamming into a slew of tackles.

It took the hosts a quarter of an hour to create their first clear chance, but Nkunku’s attempt was blocked.

Early in the second half, both teams had chances.

After dribbling into the box, Ryan Kent shot just wide, while Tavernier had a shot charged down for the visitors.

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor turned 40 in January, but he displayed quick reflexes to deny a powerful drive from Nkunku, who afterwards struck wide with the goal at his mercy.

With 20 minutes remaining, Leipzig coach Tedesco substituted Emil Forsberg for Olmo.

When a corner was cleared to the wing-back, whose volley went past McGregor, USA midfielder Tyler Adams fired over just before Angelino settled the first leg.

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