As the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan clock approached the 120th minute, thoughts turned to a storybook ending.
Allan McGregor was about to become the hero for his boyhood club in what could be his last game.
It would have been the perfect way for the veteran goalkeeper to end his career, with his contract due to expire at the end of the month.
Instead, it was a crushing blow for the team and the fans as Eintracht Frankfurt won the trophy.
With the Scottish Cup final looming against Hearts, the former Scotland international has a big decision to make, as does the manager.
Neil Alexander said that Allan has done fantastic for Rangers.
It would be a shame to hang up the gloves after the last two seasons. He has been a true, proper legend and would be leaving at the top.
Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson gave little away when asked about the future of McGregor in the build-up to the final, while Van Bronckhorst wanted to park contract talks until the end of the season.
Steven Davis, the former Scotland keeper who earned 42 caps across an 11-year international career, has yet to sign an extension with the club.
Wilson told Sky Sports that it was a question for the players.
I don't know much about this group of players. It is a great week to be a Rangers player and to be part of the club.
Allan believes his former team-mate could continue for another season.
As Rangers fell short in their attempt to retain the title, the keeper has been criticized for a few mistakes, but the standards he has set for himself has made them more rare.
He told Football Insider that if he ever fell from that level, he would be under the microscope. This guy is built for big games and big moments.
Why don't we have one more year? I think he could continue. I would like to see him play on, but it will be up to him.
His inspiring form has been an important part of Rangers success.
He was part of a backline that gave up a record 13 goals last season.
Domestic form took a dip this term. In the last season, McGregor conceded an average of 243 minutes a game.
The former Hull City player's save percentage dropped from 85% to 34%, with 15 other keepers boasting a better record.
The veteran is still capable of playing at the top level, even though he has reserved his top form for Europe.
His minutes-per-goal-concession average increased from 54 to 88, while his save percentage almost doubled.
Nine of his European games this term were in the knockout stage, which is very encouraging for a keeper of any age.
Rangers will have the chance to end the season with silverware if they beat Hearts in the final on Saturday. The question is whether the 40-year-old will feature.
Jon McLaughlin has started all four of Rangers' matches in the competition, keeping three clean sheets while allowing one goal to past him.
If it is to be McGregor's final game, might that change the decision of the Dutch?
Alexander thinks Jon will play on Saturday, but would he start him if Allan were to end his career? I don't know.
He will be devastated after Wednesday. I don't know where his head will be to be honest.
Cammy Bell is a former Rangers goalkeeper.
Allan never gives anything away, I spoke to him last week. He looked very sad at full-time.
The story of what might happen over the next few days is likely to be told by that. I think this will be his last season because he looked emotional.
Neil Alexander is a former Rangers goalkeeper.
Allan kept his cards close to his chest. He would have played on for another year if Rangers had won the Europa League.
He would have had enough to keep going if he had played in the group stage.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
