Allan McGregor's 'Impossible' Last-Minute Save For Rangers In Europe League Compared To Gordon Banks' Iconic Stop

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor pulled off arguably the save of the season in Thursday night's Europa League clash against Slavia Prague. Think I'm exaggerating? Just wait and see.

With the tie all square at 1-1 just before the 90-minute mark after goals from Nicolae Stanciu and Filip Helander, Prague winger Lukáš Provod whipped in a dangerous corner into the penalty area.

Provod found teammate Lukas Masopust in the area and the Czech midfielder connected perfectly with the cross but somehow, 39-year-old shot-stopper McGregor managed to get fingertips to the powerful effort.

In fact, McGregor not only denied Masopust but he retained the ball in a quite extraordinary moment. Take a look.

McGregor's heroics in injury time even drew comparisons to Gordon Banks' save against Pele at the 1970 World Cup.

"It's gone from one of the best saves this season to one of the best saves ever." said Ally McCoist, the Rangers legend who was commentating for BT Sport last night.

"I'm thinking of Banks, obviously, but that is up there. The ball is actually behind him, it's a phenomenal save. That save is as good a save as I have seen in years. It gets better every time you see it."

Here's how social media reacted to the moment of magic.

McCoist wasn't the only one to throw praise at the experienced goalkeeper. In his post-match interview, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said he hopes McGregor will be around next season, too.

"I've spoken about it before, how much we rate Allan, how much we love him here, how much we want to carry on," said Gerrard.

"At the same time, I've told you guys I will respect him. He knows what's on the table. He's in discussions with the club and, from where I'm sitting, I just hope we get it over the line and sign him up for another year because he is more than capable.

"I know that on a daily basis by working with him and watching him closely. The decision is going to be down to Allan, not us. Because we certainly want him.

"I thought there were a few big, pivotal moments in the game and opportunities for both sides to get the winner.

"Allan has come big for us again and it is a top, top save to get it back and drag it back into his grasp. It was another world-class save."

How good was that save from McGregor, though? Outstanding stuff from the former Hull City man.

Topics: Football, Europa League, Steven Gerrard, Rangers

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_