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Rangers have won six of seven two-legged ties against Portuguese clubs, including each of the last five. The Gers have only lost four of their last 31 European home games, although two of these came this season. Braga have lost six of their last ten away games in the Europa League, including a defeat at Ibrox in 2020.
Rangers to qualify for the semi-finals is 11/8.
Rangers to win and both teams to score NO is 21/10.
Kemar Roofe scored a hat-trick on Sunday against St Mirren. He is 4/1 to break the deadlock and 11/8 to score anytime.
Match preview
After a narrow defeat at Estádio Municipal de Braga, can Rangers turn this tie around, roared on by 50,000 supporters at Ibrox?
A week ago, it’s fair to say that Braga were the better side and, after having a goal disallowed by VAR, they deservedly took the lead on the stroke of half time.
Then, until the final minute or two, Rangers rarely threatened, thereby departing Northern Portugal defeated, although only narrowly.
As these two reconvene in Glasgow, who will be celebrating a semi-final spot?
Braga’s biggest moment in Europe, to date, came 11 years ago when they reached the Europa League Final, losing 1-0 to local-rivals Porto in Dublin.
In the knockout stages this season, Os Arcebispos have overcome FC Sheriff Tiraspol on penalties, before a more comfortable victory over Monaco.
Domestically, Carlos Carvalhal’s side sit fourth in the Primeira Liga following Sunday’s 1-0 victory at F.C. Vizela.
The Arsenalistas’ European run was ended by Rangers two years ago, but they’re in a solid position now to avenge that defeat.
Rangers meanwhile have beaten Borussia Dortmund and then Crvena zvezda in the knockout stages so far.
The latter was their third successive appearance in the round of 16 ,but their first victory at that juncture since 2008 when they were UEFA Cup runners-up.
So, despite being a goal down, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will very much believe they still have a fantastic opportunity to reach the last four.
Will Ibrox be celebrating a famous victory or will it be Braga who are facing RB Leipzig or Atlanta in the semi-finals?
Rangers team news
Talisman Alfredo Morelos is out for the rest of the season after sustaining an injury away with Colombia last month.
Following his hat-trick at St Mirren on Sunday, Kemar Roofe seems the most likely contender to lead the line.
In behind, Aaron Ramsey played the first half in Paisley having not even got off the bench in Portugal last Thursday.
However, he’ll surely start this one, seeking his third goal for Rangers, with Ryan Kent, who scored the winner in Braga in 2020, on the left-wing.
On the other flank, any of Fashion Sakala, Scott Wright, Amad or Scott Arfield could get the nod in that position.
Leon Balogun hobbled off in during the first leg so was then an unused substitute at the weekend, ensuring he’ll be ready for this one.
He’ll return to a settled back-line that’ll also feature Connor Goldson, James Tavernier and Calvin Bassey.
Allan McGregor will make his 104th appearance in UEFA club competition, seeking his 43rd clean sheet.
Braga team news
Carlos Carvalhal is without first-choice left-back Nuno Sequeira, meaning 18 year old Rodrigo Gomes could continue to deputise in that position.
On the other side Yan Couto, who’s on loan from Manchester City, was very impressive last week, setting up the only goal.
The Horta brothers, André and Ricardo, will both start in midfield; the captain, Ricardo, has scored 17 Europa League goals for Braga so far.
Abel Ruiz, who scored at Ibrox two years ago and then in the first leg, will continue to lead the line.
Scottish Premiership table:
Primeira Liga table:
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