Rangers Secure Europa League Draw Against Braga
James Tavernier successfully converted a penalty, helping Rangers achieve their first point in the Europa League this season with a 1-1 home draw against Braga, who finished the match with ten players.
Match Overview
Danny Rohl’s squad struggled initially but managed to take the lead in the first half. However, they conceded a soft equalizer from Gabri Martinez in the second half, shortly after Rodrigo Zalazar was sent off for violent conduct. Late in the match, Rangers’ Mohamed Diomande also received a red card for a second yellow offense.
This draw moves Rangers off the bottom of the 36-team league standings, but their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages remain slim, as they have only three games left.
First Half Highlights
The match kicked off in challenging weather conditions, with Braga creating the first significant opportunity. Zalazar set up Ricardo Horta, whose low shot was skillfully blocked by goalkeeper Jack Butland, resulting in a corner.
Just moments later, Butland was called into action again, making a quick save from Horta after the Braga captain managed to evade the Rangers’ offside trap.
Braga maintained their pressure, with Horta delivering a well-placed back-post cross to Gustaf Lagerbielke, but the former Celtic defender’s header went off-target.
Rangers finally recorded their first shot on goal just before half-time. Diomande’s pass was slightly under-hit, leading to a weak attempt from striker Danilo that was easily caught by Lukas Hornicek.
However, this incident seemed to ignite Rangers’ momentum. Djeidi Gassama unleashed a powerful near-post strike that was deflected away by Hornicek. Tavernier then sent the rebound soaring over the bar.
Before the break, Rangers were awarded a penalty when Fran Navarro was deemed to have handled the ball at a corner. Tavernier stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, giving his team a 1-0 lead at the half.
Second Half Developments
After the interval, Rangers continued to apply pressure, with Hornicek making another solid save from a fierce shot by Gassama. The situation for Braga worsened when Zalazar received a red card after a headbutt directed at Nico Raskin, following a review by the VAR.
Despite being a man down, Braga capitalized on a fortunate mishap. Nasser Djiga failed to properly clear a cross from Victor Gomez, allowing the ball to reach Martinez, who calmly scored to level the match.
Braga nearly snatched a late victory, but Butland made a crucial stop against Gomez’s bouncing shot, ensuring Rangers walked away with a point. Unfortunately for Rangers, Diomande was sent off in stoppage time, further complicating their situation.
