Braga secure narrow victory over Rangers to keep Europa League dream alive

SC Braga earned a potentially vital victory over Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal meeting - but the tie remains in the balance with the scoreline 1-0 heading into the second meeting at Ibrox.

Braga produced a professional performance, looking to defend in numbers and hit Rangers quickly in transitions, which offered the hosts a handful of opportunities to take the lead.

Indeed, Braga struck the post through Ricardo Horta in the opening half an hour, before his brother Andre then thought he broke the deadlock a few minutes later after his goal-bound effort took a deflection on its way to hitting the back of the net. The goal was disallowed upon a VAR review, however, due to a foul in the build-up.

Carlos Carvalhal’s side didn’t need to wait too long to take the lead though, Abel Ruiz slotting home perfectly in the 40th minute, much to the delight of the home supporters.

And Braga remained the superior team for large periods of the second half, looking to find a second goal without losing discipline and risking the opportunity to allow Rangers back into the game.

For the most part, however, Braga’s Scottish opponents were limited to half chances, and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game. Their best spell came in the closing stages as they sought to snatch a late equaliser, but Braga managed to withstand the building pressure.

The second leg takes place next Thursday in Glasgow.