Rangers are preparing to try and make history in their clash with Braga by becoming the first side since themselves in 2008 to reach the Europa League semi-finals.
And we know exactly what happened then.
The Gers know the Portuguese opposition very well having heroically overcome them in 2020, Ianis Hagi famously inspiring a turnaround at Ibrox to win 3-2.
Rangers would also win 1-0 in the return in Portugal in a confidence-inspiring clash for this game, striker Alfredo Morelos also missing for that clash.
The impact of losing Morelos cannot be understated and the Rangers striker’s absence is a monumental blow.
Both sides are very different this time out – Florian Kamberi started up front for the Gers that day in Braga – and Rangers cannot underestimate this team.
Having dumped Sheriff Tiraspol and AS Monaco to get this far, this side are no mugs and proved it once again at the weekend having beaten Champions League quarter-finalists Benfica.
Rangers, in contrast, have been on stuttering domestic form and the side and management have contributed to something of a cloud hanging over the support.
The weekend’s defeat to Celtic at Ibrox summed up a campaign of costly mistakes and a lack of concentration as we huffed, puffed and never once looked like blowing the door down.
Europe has been a welcome distraction at times this season and will serve so again, Rangers having regularly punched above their weight in the last few years.
Having defeated Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade to get here, Rangers now have an almighty chance to reach the semis against Braga.
But in order to do so, every single player must be at the top of their game and here’s how we are tipping the Rangers XI to start in Portugal.
Rangers predicted XI v Braga – 4-3-3/4-2-3-1
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Leon Balogun
DL – Calvin Bassey
CDM – John Lundstram
CDM – Ryan Jack
CAM – Aaron Ramsey
RW – Fashion Sakala
ST – Kemar Roofe
LW – Ryan Kent
