Who are Red Bull Leipzig? Rangers share fairytale recent rise but little love lost over German side's lack of history

There are many similarities between Rangers and their Europa League semi final rivals Red Bull Leipzig.

Like the Ibrox side, the Germans were also languishing in the fourth tier of their country’s league set-up a decade ago.

And they have both risen through their respective ranks to the top flight and now the last four of UEFA’s second tier competition.

However, that is where the similarities end. For while Rangers celebrate their 150th anniversary this year the Bundesliga side were only formed in 2009.

But while the east German side might lack the history of the Scottish Premiership champions they have quickly developed into a real force at home and abroad.

And they will be just as desperate to reach that Europa League final in Seville as they chase that milestone first major trophy.

Currently sitting fourth in the Bundesliga, they have lost just once in 2022 and boss Domenico Tedesco has his sights firmly set on the final.

He said: "Nothing has been achieved yet, but we are striving for more. If you're in the semi-finals, you want to go to the final.”

Record Sport gives you the lowdown on Rangers’ rivals.

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They are actually SSV Markranstadt. Well, they were. That was until the then German