Europa League Top Scorer James Tavernier Helps Rangers Reach Final

Rangers right-back James Tavernier became the leading scorer in the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League on Thursday as he helped his team reach the final.

Rangers right-back James Tavernier became the leading scorer in the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League on Thursday as he helped his team reach the final.

Captain Tavernier scored his seventh European goal of the season 18 minutes into his team's semi-final second leg against RB Leipzig at Ibrox.

That goal leveled the contest at 1-1 on aggregate after Leipzig had won the first leg 1-0 in Germany seven days earlier.

Rangers went on to win 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate to book their place in the final on May 18, when they will face Eintracht Frankfurt.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC. 💫

James Tavernier scores his 7th #UEL goal of the season. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jYa7gzexps

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2022

Of course, it's James Tavernier! 💪

The Rangers captain making supporters dream inside Ibrox! ❤️#UEL pic.twitter.com/VumhPrG3ZI

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2022

Rangers were 2-1 ahead on aggregate six minutes after Tavernier's opener thanks to a cool finish from Glen Kamara.

Leipzig hit back to make it 2-2 on aggregate when Christopher Nkunku, who had scored a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City in September, notched his 32nd goal of the season.

But former Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram put Rangers back ahead with 10 minutes to go and they held on to reach their fourth ever European final.

Glen Kamara, that was naughty. 👀

He dedicates his goal to Jimmy Bell. 💙 pic.twitter.com/QBq9hXDShe

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2022

The calmest man in Glasgow! 😎

Glen Kamara strokes the ball home and there's a nod to Jimmy Bell as he celebrates.

Rangers are in control at Ibrox! 👊#UEL pic.twitter.com/KSvILvBO7T

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2022

CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU WITH HIS 32ND GOAL OF THE SEASON FOR RB LEIPZIG! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/kJziptG7L0

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2022

He was destined to have his say eventually ✨

Christopher Nkunku comes up with a tremendous volley to bring RB Leipzig level with Rangers.#UEL pic.twitter.com/awgCrZQFfn

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2022

JOHN LUNDSTRAM MOVES RANGERS WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE OF THE #UEL FINAL.

ABSOLUTE SCENES AT THE IBROX. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2DolW23bWT

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2022

Step up, John Lundstram! 💥

He's starred for months, but that might just be his biggest moment in a Rangers jersey.

Listen to that sound! Ibrox erupts!#UEL pic.twitter.com/Nq3CJZTCid

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2022

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Rangers have now knocked two German clubs out of this season's Europa League, having previously prevailed 6-4 against Borussia Dortmund.

They will face another German side in the final at Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Frankfurt beat West Ham United 3-1 on aggregate in the other semi-final.

Tavernier scored 19 goals in all competitions last season and his strike against Leipzig was his 16th of the current campaign.

All seven of his Europa League goals this term have come during the knockout phase.

Tavernier had earlier scored three against Dortmund, one against Red Star and two in a quarter-final win over Braga.

2021/22 Europa League Top Scorers

James Tavernier (Rangers) - 7
Karl Toko-Ekambi (Lyon) - 6
Galeno (Braga and Porto) - 6
Daichi Kamada (Frankfurt) - 5
Patson Daka (Leicester) - 5

James Tavernier celebrates scoring for Rangers against RB Leipzig in their 2021/22 Europa League semi-final :: IMAGO/PA Images/Andrew Milligan