Rangers Stumble Again as SC Braga Snatches a Draw at Ibrox

Rangers' struggles in the UEFA Europa League continue, now sitting at the bottom of Group H with zero points after a 1-1 draw against SC Braga. The home side's inability to convert possession into goals has become a recurring theme, and this match was no exception. Despite dominating ball control with 48% possession and completing 206 passes, Rangers failed to capitalize on their opportunities, managing only 0.22 expected goals (xG) throughout the match.

SC Braga's tactical discipline shone through, as they maintained 52% possession and executed 229 passes with an impressive 83% accuracy. The visitors showcased their attacking prowess, with Gabriel Martínez scoring the equalizer in the 69th minute, further solidifying Braga's position in the group with 9 points from five matches. This draw reflects Braga's resilience, especially after their recent form, which included a 4-2 victory against Nacional just days prior.

Rangers' recent performances have been a rollercoaster ride, highlighted by their 2-1 win against Livingston just before this match. However, that victory masked deeper issues within the squad. The team's inconsistency is evident; they have yet to find a rhythm in the Europa League, suffering a 0-2 defeat to AS Roma prior to facing Braga. The lack of offensive firepower is alarming, as evidenced by their xG of 0.17 against Roma, which starkly contrasts with Braga's attacking capabilities.

The absence of a reliable goal scorer has haunted Rangers throughout this campaign. Captain James Tavernier, who scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time, has been one of the few bright spots for Rangers this season. His leadership and attacking contributions are crucial, but they need more support from players like Mohammed Diomande, who has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent. The pressure is mounting on Tavernier to deliver consistently as the team seeks to avoid further embarrassment in European competition.

Braga's recent form has been characterized by a balanced attack, with multiple players contributing to their scoring tally. Ricardo Horta, who has been pivotal in their success, continues to be a key figure in their offensive setup. His ability to create chances and score goals makes him a constant threat. In this match, Braga's depth was on display as they adapted to Rangers' tactics and found ways to exploit defensive lapses.

The match also highlighted Rangers' defensive vulnerabilities. The red card issued to Mohammed Diomande in stoppage time underscores the discipline issues that have plagued the squad. With 7 fouls committed compared to Braga's 11, Rangers struggled to maintain composure under pressure. This lack of discipline could prove costly as they look ahead to their next fixture against Ferencvarosi TC.

Braga's ability to absorb pressure and counter effectively was evident throughout the match. Their tactical setup allowed them to withstand Rangers' attempts at breaking down their defense while remaining dangerous on the counterattack. The visitors' performance reinforces their status as contenders in this group, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive in challenging situations.

Looking ahead, Rangers must address their offensive woes if they hope to salvage anything from this Europa League campaign. The upcoming match against Ferencvarosi TC will be critical for their aspirations of progression. They need to convert possession into meaningful chances and find a way to break down organized defenses like Braga's.

Braga, on the other hand, will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match against Nice. Their current form suggests they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and secure a spot in the knockout stages.

This match serves as another chapter in Rangers' ongoing struggle for redemption in Europe. With each passing game, the pressure mounts, and the need for results becomes increasingly urgent. For SC Braga, this draw is a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen, positioning them favorably as they continue their campaign in the UEFA Europa League.