BRADFORD native James Tavernier came agonisingly close to captaining Rangers to glory in last night's Europa League final.

But the Glasgow giants suffered the heartbreak of losing 5-4 on penalties to German side Eintracht Frankfurt after a 1-1 draw.

Joe Aribo gave the Gers the lead early in the second half in Seville after capitalising on a defensive error, before Rafael Santos Borre equalised with 20 minutes to go when he turned home a low cross.

The game went to extra-time and Tavernier, believed to have been born in Wrose, almost won it in the dying seconds, but saw his free-kick well saved by Frankfurt keeper Kevin Trapp.

A penalty shoot-out beckoned, with Tavernier winning the coin toss and ensuring the penalties were taken at the Rangers end of the ground.

As their regular penalty taker, Tavernier stepped up first and put Rangers 1-0 in front in the shootout, slotting his effort down the middle.

But Aaron Ramsey, on loan from Juventus, had his spot-kick saved by Trapp, and Frankfurt converted all five of theirs to ensure their name was on the cup.