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      Forget Red Bull Leipzig’s rise to the European elite, Rangers’ resurrection has been even more spectacular

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      ON THURSDAY the hipsters will be falling over themselves again to kiss the backside of everything to do with RB Leipzig.Fawning over and flattering the German outfit they all salute as the textbook example of how to build a modern-day club.
      Rangers have made a deep run in the Europa League this seasonCredit: Willie Vass
      The Scottish side face RB Leipzig in the semis on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
      They’ll work into an eye-fluttering lather at Leipzig’s journey from the fifth tier to challenging at the Bundesliga summit.
      And they will try to convince us what a heartwarming and honourable ten-year fairytale it has been should they lift their first European trophy.
      There is every chance, too. After all, they are hot favourites to win the Europa League ahead of this week’s semi-finals.
      Those chai latte-sipping, goatee-bearded types may be right. We could see the next stage of an incredible footballing journey in the days ahead.
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SUNSPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}HELP US OUT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Rangers make SPFL fixture plea amid Celtic pile-up after Europa League heroics
      But the most remarkable win wouldn’t be one that sends them into a frenzy. Because although Leipzig — backed by soft drink giant Red Bull — have come from the basement, so too have the team in their way.
      And in Rangers’ case, they haven’t done it backed by the untold millions of a global company, which sponsors major sporting events and teams around the world.
      Yes, it has been a stunning rise for Leipzig, from winning the NOFV-Oberliga Sud — Germany’s fifth tier — in 2010 to the Bundesliga in 2017.
      They have had huge successes, reaching the last four of the Champions League two years ago and developing the likes of Naby Keita and Timo Werner.
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      Yet while they were on a money-no- object route to the top, so were Rangers. Only having to count every penny — certainly in the early days — as they did so. The original club may date back to 1872 but the current version has just over a decade of history, thanks to financial chaos, liquidation and a restart in Scotland’s Division Three.
      It was a resurrection which, after a few businessmen saved them from disappearing altogether, saw a lot of players do just that.
      And as they set off in the fourth tier in 2012, pretty much any money spent came from the fans’ pockets at the turnstiles.
      But what numbers flooded in. Their first league game at Ibrox, against East Stirling, was in front of almost 50,000. The numbers hardly dropped thereafter.
      While they were able to spend more as they climbed the ranks, it has never been silly money, and last year they stopped what most felt would be a Celtic stroll to a tenth title in a row.
      Amid talk of European Super Leagues and moneybags giants trying to run the show, Rangers have shown what can be done. Yet rarely are they spoken of as a textbook example. Rarely is their journey hailed in the same raving way as Leipzig’s.
      If some of the so-called elite had a fraction of the initiative and drive that has taken Rangers back to the top, maybe they wouldn’t be in the mess they’re in.
      So if anyone tries to tell you what a story it will be if Red Bull make next month’s final in Seville, put them straight. The Blue Bull would be even better.
      Rivals do not give a dross
      THE contrast in Manchester and Merseyside could not be greater.
      As City and Liverpool fans savour their finest teams in the modern era, United and Everton suffer the worst.
      Watching your biggest rivals slug it out for silverware, while your own side serves up a pile of dross every week is tough enough. Even if it has got to the stage where you expect it.
      Yet what really hurts at Goodison and Old Trafford is how little the men putting them through it seem to actually care.
      Back in the 1970s and 1980s, United fans knew they’d never win the title. A good Cup run was the best hope. But while the talent may have been missing, at least the effort never was.
      Manchester United were hammered 4-0 by rivals Liverpool on Tuesday nightCredit: Rex
      And when it came to playing City or Liverpool, regardless of league placings, it was a right old battle. All points were hard-won, the losers always devastated.
      Likewise with Everton. Their Stanley Park rivals may have been kings of Europe, but any derby win came with a bruised shin or bloodied nose.
      Again, everyone knew what it meant.
      And as much as the fans hurt, they never doubted that the players weren’t doing likewise.
      It didn’t soften the blow but somehow made it more bear-able. You were all in it together.
      These days, though, that has gone. It is the name on the wage slip, not the one on the badge which matters. Not just for these two, of course, but this week has highlighted it.
      Back in the day, if you couldn’t match your rivals for talent, at least you would for effort. Sometimes it meant players crossed the line but it was almost expected by both sides.
      Yet now there is more chance of a bit of passion on Songs of Praise than from those in an Everton or United shirt.
      Two proud clubs. Two proud sets of fans. Two lots of couldn’t-give-a-toss players.
      Maybe the stinging criticism United, coached by Ralf Rangnick, have copped this week will inspire Everton to put in a performance at Anfield today. But you wouldn’t hold your breath.
      Pog won’t take lead
      A DAY after the Anfield debacle, and we were told Paul Pogba is “increasingly likely” to leave Old Trafford.
      In terms of a shock, it was less predictable than Liverpool’s win or the fact Pogba has almost certainly now played his final game for the club.
      Yet as much as Manchester United supporters will wave him off with two fingers pointing straight into the air, his will be one of THE great unfulfilled Premier League careers.
      Paul Pogba is set to leave Manchester United this summer when his contract is upCredit: AFP
      Brilliant with Juventus, a World Cup winner for France, Pogba should have been known as one of the finest midfielders to ever grace the field of play in England and for United.
      In terms of talent, the Frenchman is right up there with the likes of Old Trafford greats Paul Scholes, Bryan Robson, David Beckham and Co.
      When it comes to attitude, application and effort he’s also in a different league.
      Only, this time, he is right down at the bottom.

      THE Against The Odds documentaries on ITV have been compelling.If you haven’t seen the ones on jockeys Rachael Blackmore and, especially, Guy Disney hunt them down.
      But the next, on Derby- winner turned trainer Johnny Murtagh is on another level, as he speaks about his battle with alcohol as well as his glory days.
      Johnny Murtagh — Creating Belief is on Thursday May 5 at 9pm.

      WHEN Middlesbrough keeper Luke Daniels caught a backpass from Sol Bamba, Huddersfield were fuming when referee Darren England showed a yellow.
      They insisted Daniels merited red as he stopped a certain goal, even though a booking and indirect free-kick were correct, because it was a technical offence.
      Which proved one thing above all else — there are still plenty of footballers who don’t know the rules. More

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      in Soccer

      Declan Rice REJECTS third West Ham contract offer as Man Utd and Chelsea given hope in £150million transfer chase

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      DECLAN RICE has rejected a third contract offer from West Ham and is ‘open to a move this summer’, according to reports.But boss David Moyes reckons Rice, 23, is now worth “north of £150million”.
      Rice ‘won’t sign new deal’ with the Hammers, according to reportsCredit: Alamy
      The England international has two years left on his deal, with an option to extend for a further year.
      But Hammers fans will be concerned by the latest reports that he is ready to move on.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Declan Rice has turned down third contract offer at West Ham.
      “There’s still no agreement – Rice has always been committed, but he’s now open to a move this summer.
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      “West Ham insist he’s untouchable as David Moyes said – but Declan Rice won’t sign a new deal.”
      The classy midfielder has led the Hammers to another magnificent season.
      Rice and his team-mates produced a stunning display in Lyon to reach the Europa League semi-finals last week.
      They remain just five points from fifth in the Premier League and Rice has played all but two of their 33 games.
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      BETTING SPECIAL – GET FURY AT 30/1 OR WHYTE AT 100/1
      Rivals Chelsea and Manchester United are both said to be in hot pursuit of the star.
      Asked if a British-record fee of £150m is Rice’s current value, gaffer Moyes said: “If you are interested, well, it will be north of that.
      “£100m was cheap last summer. £150m just now would be minimum but he is not for sale.
      “What I do know is that it means there are only certain clubs that could even consider it.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kurt Zouma’s court date for kicking cat CONFIRMED in distraction to end of season for West Ham defender

      by

      KURT ZOUMA’S court date for kicking his cat will come just SIX DAYS after West Ham hope to contest the Europa League final.The Hammers’ centre-back is being prosecuted after a video filmed by his younger brother Yoan went viral and shocked viewers on social media.
      French defender Kurt Zouma is due to appear in court at the end of what could be a huge week for West HamCredit: Rex
      Zouma Senior is due to appear before Barkingside Magistrates on May 24.
      But before that the 27-year-old will be dreaming of playing in the European showpiece in Sevilla on Wednesday, May 18.
      He’s currently crocked as West Ham prepare to take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the semis for the right to meet Rangers or RB Leipzig in Spain.
      But boss David Moyes hopes the Frenchman could overcome his ankle injury in good time for the possible season finale in Spain.
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      That would be one of West Ham’s biggest matches for decades.
      The RSPCA decided last month to bring charges against Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act after watching home footage of a pet cat apparently being booted and slapped.
      They also took both of Zouma’s cats to care for them.
      He said he was ‘deeply sorry’ after the video clip of the incident in a kitchen sparked huge attention and headlines.
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      The Hammers fined Zouma the maximum possible of two weeks’ pay – £250,000.
      But Moyes refused to drop him, leading to fans booing the former Chelsea player during matches.
      Sponsors also ditched Zouma. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside West Ham’s wild dressing room party that Mark Noble cleaned up after popping out to meet fan James Corden

      by

      MARK NOBLE went from tears to sweeping up the away dressing room after West Ham secured their place in the Europa League semi-finals.The Hammers advanced into the last four on Thursday night after thrashing Lyon 3-0 at the Groupama Stadium.
      Mark Noble swept the away dressing room clean after West Ham’s wild celebrationsCredit: Twitter / @WestHam
      Noble was reduced to tears after the Hammers secured their Europa League semi-final spotCredit: Twitter / @WestHam
      Noble and Declan Rice posed for a selfie alongside Hammers fan James CordenCredit: Instagram / @declanrice
      It is the first time the East London outfit have reached the semi-finals of a European tournament since the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976.
      And David Moyes’ men celebrated their emphatic victory with their travelling fans following the full-time whistle in France.
      The players carried on the party back in the dressing room, where the realisation of their historic win reduced Noble to tears.
      West Ham shared a snap on social media of the 34-year-old letting out his emotions.
      Jarrod Bowen and Rice got on the score sheet in the 3-0 win against Lyon on ThursdayCredit: Twitter / @WestHam
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      Craig Dawson put in a dominant performance away at the Groupama StadiumCredit: Twitter / @WestHam
      Captioning the snap, they tweeted: “What it means.”
      Noble also had time to pop out to the stands alongside Declan Rice to take a selfie with fan James Corden.
      The British actor and television host flew in from Los Angeles to watch the clash in Lyon.
      Rice took to his Instagram story to share the picture of the trio, where he simply said: “Let’s gooo! What a win.”
      Rice and Ben Johnson were full of smiles following the historic result in FranceCredit: Twitter / @WestHam
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      It is the first time West Ham have reached the semi-finals of a European tournament since 1976Credit: Twitter / @WestHam
      He then posted a snap of him dancing in the dressing room, where he remarked: “Enjoymentttt! What a night. Goal & Into Semis. We will keep pushing.”
      According to the Evening Standard, even Moyes joined in on the dancing as Rednex’s Cotton Eye Joe blared out.
      After the wild celebrations, Noble helped clean up the dressing room as he swept up the mess created by his team.
      The second half substitute, who is retiring at the end of the season, revealed in February how he always sweeps the dressing room clean to show respect to the staff.
      Czech Republic duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal missed out on the joyous post-match antics as they were called to undergo a drug test. More

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      in Soccer

      Watch masked Braga hothead Medeiros SQUARE UP to ref who sends him off in moment of madness in Europa exit vs Rangers

      by

      BRAGA striker Iuri Medeiros was sent off in his side’s Europa League exit to Rangers for squaring up to the REFEREE.That put his side down to nine men in the quarter-final clash with the game in extra-time.
      Iuri Medeiros squared up to referee Francois Letexie and was sent off
      The red card put paid to any chance Braga had of a comebackCredit: Rex
      And it proved crucial as the Portuguese side fell to a 3-1 defeat at Ibrox to exit the competition.
      Medeiros, who was wearing a mask for the game, crashed into Leon Balogun in the 105th minute.
      He had only entered the game just after the hour mark, replacing Martins Gomes.
      Referee Francois Letexier called over the 27-year-old and flashed a yellow card.
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      But Medeiros was fuming with the decision, wagging his finger in the official’s face before the two men’s heads were a few centimetres apart.
      Letexier was having none of it after appearing to receive a torrent of abuse, and flashed the yellow a second time to send off the player.
      Vitor Tormena had already been sent off after hauling down Kemar Roofe in the first half.
      Rangers will now face RB Leipzig in the last four of the competition.
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      The first leg will take place in Germany in two weeks’ time.
      A delighted Giovani van Bronckhorst believes his team gave everything – in a game that had everything.
      He told BT Sport: “It’s a big night and a big result for us. It was a game that was up and down, ten men, nine men, goals disallowed, VAR, penalties, red cards.
      “It was quite hectic but at the end of the day we are through to the semis
      “I’m very proud. To reach the last four in Europe is a major achievement for everyone. We worked so hard for it.”
      At least Medeiros could take his mask off earlyCredit: SNS More

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      in Soccer

      The moment David Moyes finds out Rangers beat Braga as West Ham boss reacts to Europa League drama

      by

      RANGERS’ Europa League victory over Braga appeared to catch David Moyes pleasantly by surprise.The West Ham boss guided his own team through to the semi-finals of the Europa League by beating Lyon while the Gers were seeing off Braga at Ibrox.
      David Moyes reacting to Rangers beating Braga in the Europa League
      Both sides face German opposition in the next round as the Hammers ware up against Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers will take on RB Leipzig.
      That means if both clubs make it through the last four they could meet in a blockbuster all-British final in Seville.
      Proud Scot Moyes didn’t know how Rangers had fared until well after full-time of his own side’s match.
      During his post-match press conference, the 58-year-old was asked about West Ham’s chances of winning the tournament.
      As he discussed their upcoming semi-final against Frankfurt, he asked how the other quarter-finals went.
      He asks the journalists in the room: “How did the other game(s) go tonight, I don’t know?”
      One of West Ham’s PR team informs him “Rangers went to extra-time” while a reporter tells him that RB Leipzig beat Atalanta.
      At this point another journalist informs Moyes that Rangers had won.
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      To which he replies: “Rangers are through? Oh wow.
      “Great for Rangers. Yeah. Great for Rangers, fantastic.”
      Elsewhere, video footage has surfaced showing Ally McCoist dishing out the hugs as he celebrated Rangers beating Braga.
      McCoist was on punditry duty for the match on behalf of BT Sport alongside fellow Rangers hero Kenny Miller.
      The clip shows both men throwing their arms into the air as Kemar Roofe steered home the winner and the camera follows McCoist as he desperately runs to look for someone to hug in jubilation.
      Eventually he finds a BT Sport cameraman and the two share a big bear hug.
      McCoist is also seen punching the air before he and co-pundit Miller hug it out themselves on the gantry.
      Asked about the clip on talkSPORT, McCoist replied: “Is that when I got slightly overexcited at the goal?
      “Can I let you in on a secret? The gentleman I was hugging, no idea (who he was).
      “It was the first time I’d met him last night, he was a cameraman. And I had absolutely no idea who he was. However, we’re now best of pals!”

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      in Soccer

      Rangers 3 Braga 1 LIVE: Roofe scores in EXTRA-TIME to send Gers through to Europa League semi-finals – latest updates

      by

      RANGERS reached the semi-finals of the Europa League with a 3-1 win over Braga at Ibrox. The Gers went 2-0 up through Jamies Tavernier but 10-man Braga pulled one back with just minutes to go in normal time.
      Kemar Roofe scored the vital goal in extra-time to send the Portuguese side, who then went down to nine men, crashing out of the competition.

      RESULT: Rangers 3-1 Braga
      Rangers XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Aribo, Ramsey, Kent, Roofe
      Braga XI: Matheus, Carmo, Tormena, Oliveira, Fabiano, Horta, Castro, Al Musrati, Ruiz, Horta, Ruiz, Gomes

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from Ibrox
      It’s the end of another enthralling, exhausting and memorable European night in Glasgow – and it won’t be the last this season.
      Rangers have overcome Braga in the Europa League to reach the semi-finals, and will now face RB Leipzig in the last four.
      The first leg will take place in Germany in two weeks’ time, and you won’t miss a kick with us here at SunSport.
      Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.
      Gio so proud of Gers
      A delighted Giovani van Bronckhorst believes his team gave everything – in a game that had everything.
      The Rangers boss admitted that his players had to dig deep to overcome disappointment at times, but kept believing to eventually prevail.
      It’s a big night and a big result for us. It was a game that was up and down, ten men, nine men, goals disallowed, VAR, penalties, red cards. It was quite hectic but at the end of the day we are through to the semis.
      I’m very proud. To reach the last four in Europe is a major achievement for everyone. We worked so hard for it.Giovani van BronckhorstBT Sport

      Tav pays tribute to team
      Rangers captain James Tavernier said that he and his exhausted teammates should be incredibly proud of their achievements after his two goals helped the Scottish champions into the last four of the Europa League.
      I’m tired, but it’s a special night for the lads, the club and the fans. You could see how much it meant to everyone at the final whistle. The players in the dressing room should be proud of themselves for taking the club to a European semi-final.James Tavernier BT Sport

      xG-eepers! Rangers attack from the off
      Carlos Carvalhal said there were huge expectations on Rangers this evening, and it translated to their attempts on goal.
      In fact, the expected goals total that the Gers clocked up (5.8) was greater than any side in any European game this season.
      Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
      Match stats from Ibrox
      It’s been an eventful, exhausting night in Glasgow.
      Rangers didn’t have much of a sniff in the first leg in Portugal, but more than made up for it this evening with 31 attempts on goal.

      Full time – Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      It’s all over! Rangers have made hard work of it, but the Scottish champions are in the Europa League semi-finals.
      The Glasgow side finally got the job done in extra-time against the eventual nine men of Braga, and will now face RB Leipzig of Germany in the final four.
      Rangers had threatened to blow their Portuguese opponents away in a blistering first half during which they overturned a first leg deficit through two James Tavernier goals – the second from the penalty spot.
      In the decision to award the hosts a spotkick, Braga were also reduced to ten men, leaving the visitors with a huge uphill task in the second half.
      But Braga fought back, and shocked Ibrox with a late David Carmo head to send the tie towards an extra half hour.
      However, the hosts regained their composure to finally see off Carlos Carvalhal’s team, who lost their cool – and any chance of another comeback – when substitute Iuri Medeiros was dismissed for two needless yellow cards moments later.

      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      120. Carvalhal and Van Bronckhorst embrace on the touchline.
      That would indicate that the Braga boss believes this game is over.
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      118. Rangers are playing keep ball against the nine men. It’s the sensible thing to do.
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      115. Defender David Carmo has stayed up front and Braga are preparing to go long.
      Finally, Carlos Carvalhal’s years of experience in the English Football League come to the fore.
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      113. Braga go for broke and throw everything that they have left – which isn’t much – at the home defence.
      Horta goes down in the box, and the visitors – more in hope than expectation – appeal for a penalty.
      The Braga bench again protest, but there’s no chance of a spotkick being awarded here.
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      111. Scott Wright is again unmarked in the middle, and again ignored by a teammate – this time Sakala – who shoots wide.
      I’m not sure what Wright has done to upset the rest of the Rangers squad. Is he a secret Celtic fan?
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      110. What an astonishing miss from Scott Arfield!
      Sakala’s shot across goal is deflected towards the line by a defender, and, although Matheus manages an acrobatic stop to keep it out, the ball finds kindly for Arfield.
      All alone and five yards out, the Rangers substitute gets underneath the rebound, somehow looping it on to the top of the crossbar.
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      108. A chance to guarantee progression.
      Substitute Sakala slips Kent in on the left, who has two unmarked teammates in the centre.
      The winger overlooks the better-placed Wright in the centre to pull back to Arfield at the near post, and the result is a scuffed shot wide.
      Extra-time 2nd period – Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      106. There are just quarter of an hour and the nine men of Braga between Rangers and a European semi-final.
      It’s impossible to blow it from here. They couldn’t even if they wanted to.
      Extra-time half-time – Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      105. An absolute moment of madness from Iuri Medeiros!
      The Braga substitute is cautioned for crashing into Leon Balogun on the far touchline as the defender went to clear up the pitch.
      Booking or no booking, the midfielder’s reaction is absurd as he goes face-to-face with the referee, pointing in his face.
      It leaves Francois Letexier with no decision other than to produce an immediate second yellow card and then the red.
      There goes any slim hope Braga had of another dramatic recovery.
      Iuri Medeiros is sent off! Braga are down to nine men!
      Rangers 3-1 Braga (agg: 3-2)
      101. Rangers lead the tie once again! And Kemar Roofe has got his goal!
      It’s a brilliantly worked move, sparked by Glen Kamara on the right, and centred low into the six-yard box by Joe Aribo for Roofe to convert.
      Whether the forward should even be on the pitch is another matter, but Rangers fans will not care one jot about that!

      Goal! Kemar Roofe nets for Rangers!
      Rangers 2-1 Braga (agg: 2-2)
      99. The visiting players have done really well to take the sting out of this game in extra-time.
      Rangers need fresh impetus.
      Rangers 2-1 Braga (agg: 2-2)
      97. Some Braga players want a yellow card for Aribo’s foul on the goalkeeper, but it certainly didn’t warrant one.
      The appeals lead to another of their bench being cautioned by the match officials.
      Rangers 2-1 Braga (agg: 2-2)
      96. Matheus will certainly require the ice bath once this game concludes.
      The goalkeeper is writhing in agony once again after being caught by Aribo.
      Rangers 2-1 Braga (agg: 2-2)
      94. You could not hear yourself think inside Ibrox earlier this evening. You can almost hear a pin drop now.
      Students of psychology will be writing theses of this night for years to come.
      Rangers 2-1 Braga (agg: 2-2)
      92. Close to a nightmare start to extra-time for Rangers.
      Kemar Roofe, already on a booking, goes over the ball and catches Castro on the thigh with his studs.
      It’s a clear yellow card offence, but luckily for the Rangers forward, referee Francois Letexier allows it to go unpunished.
      Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal is not so fortunate. He’s shown a yellow card for his protests from the bench.
      Extra-time kick-off – Rangers 2-1 Braga (agg: 2-1)
      91. Strap in for another half hour.
      Three of the four Europa League semi-finalists are known: Eintracht Frankfurt, West Ham and RB Leipzig. Who will be the fourth?
      Load more entries… More

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      in Soccer

      West Ham hilariously mock Lyon over Moussa Dembele wink as Declan Rice savages French club’s arrogant pre-match tweet

      by

      WEST HAM poked fun of Lyon after knocking them out of the Europa League with a blistering display in France.Ahead of the game, the Ligue 1 side arrogantly tweeted there was ‘no chance they wouldn’t go through’ to the semi-finals.

      West Ham trolled Moussa Dembele with a wink of their own after his first leg antics
      Declan Rice said the wink and Lyon’s arrogance were an extra source of motivation for his sideCredit: PA
      Michail Antonio shared this photo on Twitter after the game to celebrate his delight with the win
      But Lyon’s overconfidence came back to bite them – with goalscorer Declan Rice quote-tweeting the post: “This aged well.”
      Lyon star Moussa Dembele also came in for a good trolling from West Ham’s Twitter admin.
      The French striker was somewhat of a pantomime villain after the first leg for his wink following the red card to Aaron Cresswell.
      But after producing a stunning performance to record a famous victory in the second leg, West Ham responded by sharing a picture of Dembele’s smirk – and a wink emoji for good measure.
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      Elsewhere, Michail Antonio, well-known for his humourous social media posts, also got in on the act.
      He shared a photo on Twitter of himself looking like he was about to burst, alongside a caption that read: “Can’t hold it in much lonnngggerrrr…….
      “WEST HAM ARE MASSIVE EVERYWHERE WE GO WEST HAM ARE MASSIVE EVERYWHERE WE GOOOOOOOOOO EVERYWHERE WE GOOOOOOOO ⚒⚒⚒⚒⚒⚒.”
      And Rice could ‘t stop himself from hitting out at Lyon’s behaviour in his post-match comments either, admitting Dembele’s wink provided extra motivation for his side.
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      He told BT Sport: “If you can’t get up for these games you shouldn’t be playing football.
      “The roar from the warm-up, it was spine-tingling and it gives you that fire in your stomach to go out there and perform.
      “There were a few incentives for us tonight to go out there and win.
      “Dembele winking in the first leg at the camera and their Twitter admin somehow saying that they don’t see how they are not going to get through…
      “Those things come back to bite you.
      “We stayed quiet, put in a performance and now West Ham are in the semis. What more do we want?” More