As Rangers warmed up for the Europa League second leg against RB Leipzig with a draw against Celtic, the Germans suffered defeat against 10-man Borussia Monchengladbach.
In a late Monday evening kick-off, something Rangers will be viewing as particularly positive given they travel to Glasgow on Thursday, they were eventually dumped 3-1 despite Monchengladbach playing half an hour with a man disadvantage.
The result also puts the Bundesliga side’s Champions League status in jeopardy after they dropped to 5th, with the prize of Champions League qualification adding extra Europa League incentive.
Swiss striker Breel Embolo put Borussia Monchengladbach ahead after 17 minutes but French forward Christopher Nkunku equalised less than ten minutes later.
Jonas Hoffman would reinstate Monchengladbach’s lead in first-half stoppage time with RBL manager Domenico Tedesco getting booked for complaining about a possible offside.
Nico Elvedi was then sent off around the hour mark for cynically taking Nkunku out as he raced through on goal but it would be Monchengladbach who scored again, Hoffman adding a second.
The result could have potentially devastating ramifications for RB Leipzig, who now only have two league games to try and rescue a Champions League spot.
Late injury scare for RB Leipzig in Monchengladbach defeat ahead of Rangers clash
There was also a late injury scare for 31-goal striker Nkunku but RB Leipzig appeared to quell fears by sarcastically tweeting about it to watching Rangers fans.
Attention now turns to the second leg of the Europa League clash as Rangers look to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
Some controversy surrounded Angelino’s long-range volleyed effort with claims Allan McGregor was unsighted by several offside RB Leipzig players.
But nonetheless Rangers will be hoping their support can be an important 12th man as the club looks to reach the Europa League Final in Seville.
This would be an apt tribute indeed after the passing of one of the club’s most influential and well-loved staff members.
