sport news MARK WILSON: For the blue tide of Rangers fans there was disappointment but ... trends now
No journey was too long. No price was too high. No effort was spared. Not when there was a chance that an almost impossible dream might be transformed into technicolour reality.
A light blue tide swept its way towards Seville, carrying with it the hopes of a whole generation of Rangers fans. The power of that emotion seemed immense. Stronger even than the sun baking Andalusia's capital throughout this red-letter day.
Two feelings still lingered in the breathless air above the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan after Rafa Borre swept home Eintracht Frankfurt's winning penalty in an agonising shoot-out.
Rangers fell agonisingly short in the Europa League final in front of thousands of loyal fans
Aaron Ramsey was the only player to miss in the shootout as his central effort was saved
Eintracht Frankfurt celebrate the Europa League triumph after Santos Borre's winning penalty
There was obviously disappointment. Acutely so, given the scale of the opportunity that had just slipped away. But there was also unmistakable and intense pride.
Nine years on from winning promotion out of the old Third Division on the first step back up the league ladder, Rangers had gone the distance in the Europa League final. The extraordinary scale of the feat cannot be masked by defeat.
Those present will tell the stories for years to come. Not just of the epic mobilisation to southern Spain, but of the unforgettable wins over Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade and RB Leipzig that took them here. Frankfurt ultimately proved an opponent too far, yet this run has defined a group of players and taken supporters to heights that had them rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
Their slogan in stands had been: 'Make us dream'. No-one could claim those they watch had not delivered. A first European trophy in 50 years was brought to within touching distance before it was shifted, excruciatingly, just out of reach.
When Joe Aribo rolled a left foot shot under Kevin Trapp, the eruption of joy would have registered on the Richter scale. For 12 minutes, it seemed as through the Barcelona Bears were about to gain company within the club's pantheon. And that a reward in excess of £50 million might be making its way towards Ibrox.
It wasn't to be. Borre's equaliser brought extra-time before the cruel torture of a shoot-out. Of course it went to penalties. That was all this campaign had been missing.
After nine months, 17 Europa League games, 24 goals and one valiant last push, the story did not end with the birth of a legend to stand beside 1972.
When Joe Aribo rolled the ball in, the eruption of joy would have registered on the Richter scale
A first European trophy in 50 years was brought to within touching distance in Seville
But it has reframed what is considered possible. And given hope to prominent clubs from smaller leagues throughout Europe. Finance and UEFA policy may be stacked against them, but there can still be a way to reach the biggest stages. To dare to dream.
Of course, that wasn't much consolation to those beginning the long journey home. Tens of thousands of Ibrox fans made the trip to Spain, with some of those in Seville given a chance to mix with Rangers royalty.
Injured striker
