Braga suffered a 3-1 extra time defeat to Rangers in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg at Ibrox. Their advantage in the tie lasted two minutes in front of a raucous home crowd, James Tavernier scoring from a tight angle.
Carlos Carvalhal’s side had VAR to thank minutes later and Roofe hit the bar from a yard out, but Rangers persisted and doubled their lead before the break. Vítor Tormena was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Kemar Roofe, Tavernier burying the penalty, two bitter blows for the Portuguese club.
Braga battled hard however, squaring the tie in the 83rd minute when Iuri Medeiros' corner was headed home by David Carmo. The crowd were stunned, but regained their voice in extra time when Roofe finished from close range, Medeiros sent off four minutes later, Rangers ending the game as they started, well on top.
Rampant Rangers
It was full throttle from the first minute, Braga’s 1-0 advantage in the tie lasting just two minutes at Ibrox. Joe Aribo guided Borna Barisic’s cross to the far post, the ball falling to James Tavernier who beat Matheus from a tight angle.
The home crowd couldn’t have asked for a better start and minutes later they erupted once more. Another Barisic cross was met by Kemar Roofe who headed home, but the goal was ruled out after Barisic handled in the build up.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s tactics were clear as Rangers continually played long balls over Braga’s defence. Fabiano was having a tough time stopping the dual threat of Barisic and Ryan Kent.
Braga slowly worked their way into the contest, their first chance of the game coming in the 23rd minute when Ricardo Horta fired high and wide. Calvin Bassey was looking like a liability in the heart of Rangers' defence but Braga were unable to exert enough pressure in the final third.
Electric atmosphere
The atmosphere was electric as Rangers relentlessly pursued another goal. Roofe’s shot was saved and Aribo had two shots blocked before providing a glorious chance for Roofe who hit the underside of the bar from point-blank range.
The chances kept coming, Ayodele-Aribo heading Tavernier’s corner wide, Roofe missing the target and Kent’s header forcing a save from Matheus.
Rangerous wouldn’t be denied however, and deservedly doubled their lead on the stroke of half time. Once again it was a long ball, Roofe surging into the box and clumsily taken down by Vitor Tormena.
If conceding a penalty wasn’t bad enough, referee François Letexier sent Tormena off before Tavernier stepped up and slammed the spot kick into the net.
Carlos Carvalhal had a tough team talk at the break. He attempted to shift the momentum at the start of the second half, replacing Andre Horta with Francisco Moura.
One way traffic
It had no effect with Braga unable to get out of their own half. Rangers persisted with the long balls and continued to create chances, Aribo curling his shot wide when Kent was unmarked and a better option.
Carvalhal made two more changes in the 61st minute with Rodrigo Gomes and Abel Ruiz making way for Iuri Medeiros and Vitinha, but the hosts kept creating chances.
Connor Goldson hit the post before Aaron Ramsey headed Barisic’s cross over the bar and fired into the side netting. Roofe then beat Matheus with a clever chip but was ruled offside.
Braga get back on level terms
Despite Rangers’ dominance, Braga survived and scored from a corner to silence the home crowd. Iuri Medeiros' delivery was met by David Carmo who rose highest and headed home.
The Ibrox faithful had lost their mojo as the reality of the situation kicked in and the tie went to extra time. There was no need for pessimism however as Rangers scored the decisive goal in the 101st minute.
Roofe wouldn't be denied
Braga switched off at the back, allowing Aribo to get to the byline, his cross evading everyone except Roofe who pounced and converted from close range.
The contest was effectively over four minutes later as Braga were reduced to 9 men. Medeiros was booked after getting into a tangle with Leon Balogun but he woudln't let it go, letting his team down by selfishly verballing referee Letexier who doubled down and sent him off.
Rangers had more opportunities to seal the deal, Scott Arfield hitting the bar from six yards out, but it was job done as the Scottish club advanced to the semi-finals.
Analysis
Braga will be disappointed after missing a great opportunity to reach the semi-finals. The full force of Ibrox was released on them and conceding so early gave the hosts a huge boost.
It was important for Carlos Carvalhal's side to get to half time with no further damage, conceding a penalty on the stroke of half time alongside the dismissal of Vitor Tormena were two bitter pills to swallow. It was always going to be a tough challenge to turn the tie around, even after taking it to extra time due to the energy expended with 10 men.
Carvalhal was adamant that a penalty should have been awarded in the closing stages for a foul on Ricardo Horta. The referee was poor throughout, but François Letexier and the officials won't be remembered here, only Rangers' ability to use the power of Ibrox to overcome a first leg deficit.
It must be continually remembered that Braga's business model and financial capacity means they have no real business challenging for the Primeira Liga. Going deep in Cups and European competitions always remains their best chance of winning titles.
Carvalhal continually puts faith in his young players who are inexperienced and inconsistent. As such, the consistency of performances can suffer, especially on the road in Europe.
Rodrigo Gomes, Fabiano Silva, David Carmo and Abel Ruiz started in Glasgow with Francisco Moura, Jean-Baptiste Gorby, Vitinha and Miguel Falé coming off the bench. That's eight players under 22-years-old. The experience gained from the Europa League campaign will be invaluable.
Fair play to Rangers, there were some excllent individual performances from Tavernier, Barisic and Aribo. Giovanni van Bronckhorst got his tactics spot on and with most of his players around 30 years old, that experience was key to reaching the semi-finals.
Ibrox is one of the great football stadiums with a fantastic atmosphere when the stakes are so high.
