Rangers and Braga Settle for 1-1 Europa League Draw

Key Takeaways:

• Rangers recorded their first Europa League point of the season in the fifth round with a 1-1 home draw against Sporting Braga
• James Tavernier gave Rangers the lead from the penalty spot before half-time, but Gabri Martinez equalised following a defensive error
• Both teams ended the match with ten men after red cards for Rodrigo Zalazar and Mohamed Diomande

Match Overview

Rangers secured their opening point in this season’s Europa League during the fifth round, sharing the spoils 1-1 with Sporting Braga at Ibrox. Despite playing the final half-hour with a numerical advantage, the Scottish side could not capitalise fully and claim their first European win of the campaign.

Full-Time at Ibrox.

⚖️ It Ends Level against Braga.

Rangers 1 – 1 SC Braga | #UEL pic.twitter.com/dqtLGZizpa

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 27, 2025

First Half: Butland Keeps Rangers Alive, Tavernier Strikes

The opening exchanges saw Sporting Braga hold the upper hand, creating early threats that forced Jack Butland into two outstanding saves to keep Rangers in contention. The hosts struggled to pose any offensive threat for much of the first half, only finding their rhythm approaching the interval. Their growing influence was rewarded when Rangers earned a penalty after several promising raids, confidently converted by James Tavernier before the break to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

Second Half: Red Cards and Missed Opportunities

After the restart, momentum appeared to swing further in Rangers’ favour as Braga’s Rodrigo Zalazar was shown a red card after sixty minutes, reducing the visitors to ten men. However, the home side failed to take full advantage. Nasser Djiga committed a costly error, heading the ball directly into the path of Gabri Martinez, who seized the opportunity to draw Braga level. Rangers’ hopes of victory faded further in stoppage time when Mohamed Diomande picked up a second yellow card, leaving both sides with ten men.