Leipzig (dpa) – The defeat against Union Berlin is said to have been just a slip, against Glasgow Rangers RB Leipzig wants to show its strong second half form again.
“The defeat was a reality check for us,” said defender Angeliño. “But you also have to see where we come from.” Rather, one should look at the club where it should go. And that’s the Europa League final on May 18 in Seville. The semi-final first leg on Thursday (9 p.m. / RTL +) should be won against Glasgow Rangers.
Dortmund as a warning: Domenico Tedesco took a very close look at the surprise in the second round against Borussia Dortmund. The progress of the Rangers against BVB had surprised the RB coach. “Now I’ve seen her a few times. There are no more surprises,” said the 36-year-old. According to Tedesco, winger Ryan Kent in particular stands out. The team works with many crosses and a good occupation of the penalty area. However, Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morales are missing the two best strikers.
Guest Alert:
On the day of the match, the colors of blue and white are likely to dominate the Leipzig market and the adjacent Barfußgässchen. Up to 7,000 Rangers fans are said to come to the city, many of them primarily to celebrate. Because a ticket only has half of it. The Rangers played in Leipzig in January 2017. The Scots lost the friendly game 4-0, with Yussuf Poulsen scoring two goals. The 8,000 Scottish fans who traveled with them celebrated anyway.
German experiences:
For Tedesco, his assistant Andreas Hinkel has been an important source of information over the past few days. After all, the former international played for arch-rivals Celtic from 2008 to 2011 and still has good connections in the town at the foot of the Highlands. But the Rangers also have Germany experience in their squad. Nigerian international Leon Balogun played for Hanover, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Darmstadt and Mainz.
Don’t be afraid of Nkunku:
Allan McGregor has been through a lot. And so the 40-year-old goalkeeper of the Rangers is not very afraid of the goal threat from Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku. “I don’t mean that disrespectfully, but at the end of the day it’s just football. Whether it’s the fourth division or the Europa League, I have to keep the ball,” said McGregor. Saving has been difficult for many goalkeepers this season when Nkunku was involved. In 46 games, the Frenchman has already scored 30 goals and prepared another 20.