Rangers hosted S.C. Braga in the knockout tie of the Europa League in the first leg and played a thrilling encounter where they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Both teams had chances in the first half, but Braga clearly seemed the dominant side. The game was end to end, to begin with. The Portuguese outfit took the lead in the 11th minute with a thunderous strike from Fransérgio.
The game continued to be an entertaining affair in the second 45 and Braga doubled their lead in the 59th minute through Abel Ruiz. Rangers could have easily allowed their shoulders to drop, but they kept on persevering. A brilliant strike from range from Hagi brought them back in the tie. Aribo then equalised as he glided past Braga’s defence. Then Hagi scored from a free-kick via a massive deflection in the 82nd minute to complete the comeback. This was Braga’s first defeat in 2020.
Rangers Players Rated In Their Thrilling Win Against S.C. Braga
Allan McGregor 7
Made one big save in the second half when Braga were 2-0 up. Maybe his positioning could have been better for the first goal. But that would be too harsh on him.
James Tavernier 5
Was found struggling defensively on quite a few occasion. His crossing and set-piece were also below par.
Connor Goldson 6.5
Made one brilliant last-ditch tackle late in the game which was worth a goal. Was all over the place in the first half but made some important contribution in the second 45. Needs to stop playing out from the back as he misplaced plenty of passes.
Nikola Katic 6
Was caught out of position on a few occasions and needed to do better with his reading of the game.
Borna Barisic 5
Failed to affect the game down the left. Was poor defensively and gave away possession numerous times. Got injured and had to go off in the second half.
Steven Davis 5
Failed to assert control in the game as Rangers were sloppy in midfield. Gave away possession cheaply on a few occasions which invited pressure. Had a few decent spells as well but not at his best.
Glen Kamara 5
Doesn’t look like the same player from earlier in the season as he struggled to affect the game much. Some of his touches were heavy, and Braga were able to win the ball back when they pressed him quickly.
Scott Arfield 7
Looked lively and played some passes which opened up the opposition defence. Worked his socks off like always.
Ianis Hagi 9
What a player he is turning out to be! Single-handedly dragged Rangers back in the game with a brilliant strike. Always looked a threat whenever he got on the ball and played some delightful passes. Got lucky with the free-kick but certainly deserved it for the performance he put in.
Ryan Kent 5
What Hagi is doing right now was initially expected of Kent. But the winger disappointed again. Just meandered throughout the game. Had one chance early on where he could have done better to get contact on Morelos’ cross. Failed to make any meaningful contribution in the attacking third. Worked hard and pressed well.
Alfredo Morelos 5
One of those days where he failed to get the ball in the back of the net despite numerous opportunities. Reminded of the League Cup final game as he was thwarted by the opposite goalkeeper time and again. Needs to add a bit of disguise and composure instead of smashing the ball straight at the goalkeeper.
Substitutes
Florian Kamberi 5
Provided energy but lacked composure in the final third.
Joe Aribo 8
Gerrard has often been blamed for not making early changes. Aribo was brought early in the second half, and he produced a moment of magic with a brilliant run. Played with energy and filled in for Barisic at left-back late on in the game.
Greg Stewart N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
