Europa League: Rangers v Braga Preview & Betting Tips

Full Focus On Europe

After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s men have it all to do in midweek and with a Europa League semi-final berth within touching distance, now the Ibrox men must grab it with both hands.

Simply The Best?

There is no doubt that the next four days are going to define Rangers’ season and although there is still a slim chance of retaining the Scottish Premiership trophy, the feeling is that silverware will have to be won elsewhere.

While the most realistic of the two remaining options, is undoubtedly success in the Scottish Cup and with Celtic recently stealing a march on their nearest rivals, Rangers would love nothing more to knock off them off their perch at the weekend.

However, Rangers must also be careful not to fall into a footballing trap and one that sees them overlook an opposition that sits before them– opposition that comes in the shape of Braga this Thursday.

Because after being knocked out by Rangers in the 2020 edition of the Europa League, Braga obtained a modicum of revenge last week and after securing a 1-0 win in Portugal, it is they who have one leg in this season’s semi-final.

Then again, Rangers are eyeing up that exact same form of progress and after already disposing of both Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade in the knockout phase of this competition, they will look for further joy in front of their own fans.

Especially as the Ibrox roar is usually good for a goal in Europe and if Rangers want to try and keep themselves as fresh as possible for the weekend, they will look to get Thursday’s task complete in 90 minutes.

With that said, Braga have already proved that they are no pushovers and although many considered them to be the outright outsiders when the draw for the last eight was made, they did not play like outsiders in the opening skirmish.

It was Abel Ruiz who was the difference in terms of goals last week and for those who like lightning to strike twice, you can also back him to score at Ibrox anytime at odds of 3/1 – something that will surely be worth your consideration.

Get 31/20 on Rangers to qualify cta_button_2

Of course, Rangers may also need to lean on extra time and even the lottery of penalties and if you think the blue half of Glasgow will get there in the end, you can back them to qualify at odds of 31/20 with Betfair.

While to avoid potential fatigue for the weekend, a 2-0 home win would be more than adequate and if you want to join me in backing this very outcome, bet365 are currently offering tempting odds of 17/2 at the time of writing.