Rangers Held to 1–1 Draw by Braga in Hard-Fought Europa League Clash
Rangers were forced to settle for a point in Portugal after a spirited but uneven performance culminated in a 1–1 draw with Braga in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
A first-half penalty from captain James Tavernier looked set to hand Philippe Clement’s side a valuable away victory, but the hosts rallied after the break, with Gabri Martinez’s equaliser ensuring the spoils were ultimately shared.
The match began at a frantic pace, with Braga determined to impose themselves in front of a lively home crowd. Rangers, though, had Jack Butland to thank for keeping the game level in the early stages.
The English goalkeeper produced two superb stops to deny Ricardo Horta, reacting sharply on both occasions to prevent the Braga talisman from breaking the deadlock. Those interventions proved pivotal, allowing Rangers time to stabilise after their shaky opening spell.
As the visitors grew into the game, they found more joy pushing forward, and it was Tavernier who once again delivered at a decisive moment. The right-back, always eager to venture into attacking areas, whipped in a dangerous corner late in the first half that struck a Braga defender on the arm, leaving the referee with little option but to point to the spot.
Tavernier stepped up with characteristic composure, sending goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek the wrong way to record his 137th goal in Rangers colours. His celebration was one of quiet authority, reflective of a man who continues to carry immense responsibility for his side.
The lead, however, never felt entirely secure. Rangers struggled to maintain control in midfield, and their defensive shape wavered as Braga intensified the pressure after the interval. One of the more difficult evenings belonged to Nasser Djiga, whose performance proved problematic at times.
The defender endured several nervy moments and appeared unsettled by Braga’s quick interchanges, with his hesitancy contributing to dangerous situations around the Rangers box.
It was no surprise, then, when Braga eventually found their leveller. Martinez capitalised on a loose passage of play, darting into space before firing beyond Butland, who could do little to stop the well-placed finish.
The goal galvanised the hosts, and although Rangers attempted to regain control, they never fully rediscovered the attacking fluency they displayed near the end of the first half.
In the final stages, both sides pushed for a winner, but the match fizzled into stalemate. For Rangers, the result is far from disastrous—an away point in Europe is rarely unwelcome—but it does leave work to do as they look ahead to the return fixture at Ibrox.
Clement will take positives from his team’s resilience, yet he will also recognise key areas requiring improvement if Rangers are to progress.