Rangers Europa League rivals Braga warmed up for the upcoming meeting between the sides in the quarter-finals of the competition with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Portimonense which boosted their continental ambitions for next season.
Braga got off to an excellent start as goals from Francisco Moura and Yan Couto within the first 25 minutes seemingly had the side on easy street.
They couldn’t add to their advantage however and a David Carmo own goal with just under half an hour to go made for a nervous final quarter of the match.
Braga held out for the win which allows them to consolidate fourth place and boost their hopes for European football next season.
Rangers Europa League rivals Braga warmed up for the tie with a crucial league win
Rangers will face the Portuguese side away from home on April 7 before the second leg at Ibrox a week later in what promises to be a hectic April.
Braga is no strangers to the Ibrox side, having faced each other in the last 32 of the same competition in February 2020, a tie that the Gers went onto win 4-2 on aggregate.
Who can forget that monumental comeback in the first leg, from 2-0 down to scoring three goals and eventually winning the tie.
It’s a shame the hero from that night, Ianis Hagi, won’t be able to play as it may have struck some PTSD into the opposition players, but I reckon we have enough to prevail over the two legs.
Of course, there is no easy tie in Europe, but drawing Braga was obviously the best option for us and it gives the side an excellent chance to play in a European semi-final.
It sets up a blockbuster month of action that’s for sure.
In other news, former Rangers striker Shota Arveladze is returning to Ibrox for the legends match on March 26.
