RB Leipzig: Fascinating story behind Rangers' 'plastic' in-form opponents - and why there's reason for optimism

RB Leipzig are looking to claim a continental first when taking on Rangers in the Europa League semi-final. We talk you through the German Bundesliga outfit ...

Who are they?

Often simply referred to by an epithet rather than their name, the term “most hated club in German football” has become shorthand for RB Leipzig. Despised for their manufactured status that is owed to the football franchising of drinks company backers Red Bull, there is a strange quirk concerning their history when set against the insecurities over such matters that dog Rangers following the old Ibrox club’s 2012 liquidation. Red Bull’s desire to have a major player in the Bundesliga led to them acquiring the playing rights of fifth tier SSV Markranstädt in 2009. They had no interest in giving that Saxony club a mighty makeover, though, and sought not only to change the name but declare their takeover as year zero for the newly fashioned RB Leipzig. The RB standing for the made-up term RasenBallsport (sport played with a ball on a lawn is the literal translation), you understand…not the drinks company. Oh no, of course not, which would have been a breach of sponsorship rules. UEFA, however, said they could not claim themselves to be a new club but instead would be recognised as an old club that just happened to have new backers, a new name, new logo and new club colours. Colours, of course, that just happen to be the red and white of Red Bull. The company also – legally – circumvented the ‘50-plus-one’ voting shares ownership rules in Germany football meant to ensure clubs must be responsive to the individuals that support them.

To rivals, this boardroom-financials genesis – which allowed RB Leipzig to make the leap from nowhere to become a leading