Rangers on verge of Europa League elimination

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Rangers 1 - 1 Braga

Rangers claimed their first point of this Europa League campaign but will reflect on a wasted chance after a mistake from Nasser Djiga cost them victory in a draw with 10-man Braga.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Ibrox

Europa League | Rangers v Braga | View from the stands

James Tavernier put the Scottish Premiership side in front from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time, and their position strengthened when Rodrigo Zalazar was sent off for appearing to move his head towards Nicolas Raskin.

Yet Djiga’s misjudged header from a throw into the Rangers area dropped invitingly for Gabri Martinez, who swept in the equaliser and left Danny Rohl’s side without the win they badly needed.

The result brings an end to their run of seven consecutive European defeats, but with daunting trips to Ferencvaros and Porto to come, either side of a home meeting with Ludogorets, their prospects of progressing remain slim with just one point from five matches.

A further setback arrived in stoppage time when Mohamed Diomande was dismissed for a second booking after leading with his arm, rounding off a deeply frustrating night for Rangers.

The home side failed to reignite their Europa League ambitions 

Europa League | Rangers v Braga | Pre-match picture

Rangers came into this match on the back of four straight defeats in the competition, fully aware that victory was essential if they were to breathe life into their European campaign.

Early on, Braga looked every inch a side with nine points from their opening four fixtures and full of confidence after already defeating Celtic in Glasgow earlier in the season. Jack Butland kept Rangers in the contest with two excellent saves to deny Ricardo Horta, first stretching low to his right and then blocking bravely when the striker raced through on goal.

Rangers created nothing of note in the first half hour but slowly began to find a foothold. Danilo shot weakly at the goalkeeper after being played in by Mohamed Diomande, while Djeidi Gassama went to ground under contact from Gabri Martinez in the area, though nothing was awarded.

Their moment arrived when Fran Navarro handled in the box and VAR intervened, allowing James Tavernier to convert from the spot. The captain’s finish drew him level with Ally McCoist on 21 European goals.

Rangers’ advantage grew when Rodrigo Zalazar lost his composure. He pushed his head towards Nicolas Raskin, made slight contact, and was dismissed following a VAR review.

A badly needed Europa League lifeline seemed within reach until Djiga’s mistake handed Braga the equaliser. From a routine throw, he misjudged his header and directed it straight to Martinez, who made amends for his earlier penalty concession by steering the ball home. The result leaves Braga seventh in the overall standings and Rangers 33rd of the 36 teams.

Location: Ibrox, Glasgow G51, UK

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