If Alfredo Morelos’ season had not been ended by the most ill-timed of injuries, then a meeting of two Colombian international centre-forwards on the streets of Seville would have added another intriguing subplot to Rangers’ enthralling Europa League journey.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox invincibles set up a final meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, May 18th, after overturning a first-leg deficit to steamroller RB Leipzig on Thursday night.
The result – and the performance – looks all the more impressive when you consider that Rangers were shorn of Morelos’ inimitable influence.
Their talismanic striker. Their all-time record European goalscorer.
Morelos will have no choice but to watch on from the stands at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, his campaign brought to a premature conclusion thanks to a serious thigh injury.
There will still be one in-form Colombian taking to the stage in Seville, however. And those with long memories will remember that Santos Borre, in an alternative reality, would be wearing royal blue rather than black and red.
Rangers vs Eintracht Frankfurt in Europa League final
According to El Deportivo, Rangers considered bringing the former Atletico Madrid youngster – once labelled ‘phenomenal’ by Diego Simeone – to Glasgow last summer. Santos Borre, winner of six trophies in four years at Argentine giants River Plate, was set to become a free-agent a couple of weeks later.
Santos Borre would end up signing a long-term deal with Frankfurt instead. And, in a fascinating twist of fate, it was he who set up a meeting with his Scotland-based suitors. Firing home the only goal of the game against West Ham United in Germany last night.
Showdown in Seville
He’s been far from prolific in Frankfurt colours. In 43 games, Santos Borre has just scored ten times.
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But it is on occasions like these where the 26-year-old tends to make his mark. He bamboozled West Ham’s backline with his intelligent movement and excellent link-play in the first leg, scored the decider in the second, and netted one of the finest goals you’ll see anywhere in European competition this season with a 25-yard rocket in April’s coupon-busting triumph over the giants of Barcelona.
Rangers will be praying that Santos Borre does not come back to haunt them.
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