Rangers 1-1 Sporting Braga Player Ratings: Ten-Man Braga Manage Draw in Thrilling Contest

Rangers were left frustrated after a 1–1 draw with ten-man Sporting Braga on a lively Europa League night at Ibrox Stadium. It felt like a missed opportunity for the home side, who had control for large parts of the match. The first half was tense until a late twist changed the momentum.

A VAR review awarded Rangers a penalty, and James Tavernier calmly scored to give them the lead before halftime. Their position improved further after the hour mark when Rodrigo Zalazar was shown a straight red card, leaving Braga with ten men.

But the visitors responded with impressive determination. Gabri Martínez struck an unexpected equalizer, silencing the home support. Rangers pushed hard for a winner but could not break Braga’s resistance. Their frustration was clear, and it boiled over when Mohamed Diomandé was sent off near the end. It was a dramatic contest that ultimately left Rangers wondering what might have been.

Here are Sportsdunia’s Rangers vs Sporting Braga Player Ratings from the UEFA Europa League:

Rangers Player Ratings vs Sporting Braga

Check out Rangers Player Ratings from Rangers vs Sporting Braga game:

Goalkeeper

Jack Butland - 7.0: He was solid when called upon, making four crucial saves inside the box. There was little he could do about the goal, it was a well-taken finish. We noticed his distribution was a bit hit-and-miss, but his shot-stopping was reliable. He kept Rangers from suffering a shock defeat with a couple of sharp late saves. A dependable performance, even if he couldn't secure the clean sheet.

Defenders

James Tavernier - 7.5: The captain delivered from the spot again. His penalty was nerveless and gave his team the lead. He was a constant outlet on the right, whipping in 12 crosses and creating two chances. However, from our perspective, he lost possession quite a few times. His attacking contributions were vital, but defensively he was caught out on occasion. Still, a goal and a threat throughout.

Max Aarons - 6.5: A really solid and industrious performance from Aarons before he was forced off with an injury. He won an impressive eight out of eleven duels, showing great tenacity. He was tidy in possession and made several important recoveries. What stood out was his work rate, constantly getting up and down the flank to support both attack and defence. A shame his night ended early.

Nasser Djiga - 5.0: This was a night to forget for the defender. His glaring error led directly to a goal-scoring opportunity for Braga. On top of that, he missed a big chance himself from a set-piece. We felt he looked nervous and off the pace. While he made a few clearances, the big mistakes are what defined his performance. He just didn't seem comfortable.

Emmanuel Fernandez - 7.5: In stark contrast to his partner, Fernandez was a rock at the back. He won a remarkable six aerial duels and made five crucial clearances. He even got forward to create a big chance and had a header saved late on. He was strong, composed, and read the game brilliantly. One of Rangers' best players on the night, without a doubt.

Midfielders

Connor Barron - 6.0: A tidy but ultimately quiet game from Barron. He kept the ball moving with decent pass accuracy but didn't really influence the game in the final third. He picked up a yellow card and was substituted as Rangers chased a winner. We wanted to see more from him, a bit more drive and creativity to break down a stubborn Braga side.

Mohamed Diomandé - 5.0: A performance of extremes and one that ended in disaster. He created three chances and looked like one of the few who could unlock the Braga defence. But his indiscipline was his undoing. The late second yellow card for a needless foul was a moment of pure frustration and let his team down. The red card completely overshadows any good work he did.

Nicolas Raskin - 5.5: From our perspective, Raskin really struggled to get a foothold in the game. He committed a staggering seven fouls and won only a third of his duels. He seemed to be chasing shadows for large parts of the match. While he worked hard, his overall impact was minimal and often negative due to the constant fouling. A really disappointing outing.

Danilo - 6.0: He showed some nice touches and was willing to run at the defence. He got a shot on target that was well saved. But ultimately, he was on the periphery of the game for long spells. He worked hard off the ball, but couldn't provide the spark needed to finish Braga off before being substituted.

Forwards

Chermiti - 5.0: We found his performance incredibly frustrating to watch. He lost possession 18 times and was ineffective in his duels. While he won a few headers, his touch often let him down and he struggled to link up play. He got into some good positions but lacked the final product. It just wasn't his night.

Djeidi Gassama - 7.5: One of the few bright sparks for Rangers in attack. He was a constant menace, completing four successful dribbles and always looking to be positive. He drew five fouls from the opposition, showing how much trouble he was causing them. He had a good shot saved and was at the heart of Rangers' best moments. He can hold his head high.

Substitutes

Thelo Aasgaard - 6.0: Came on and tried to make things happen, providing an assist for a saved shot. Looked busy but couldn't find the breakthrough.
Bojan Miovski, Oliver Antman, Jayden Meghoma: N/A - Not on long enough to make a significant impact.

Manager

D. Röhl - 5.0: A tough night for the manager. His team had a golden opportunity to win, playing against ten men for half an hour at home. The inability to break Braga down points to a tactical failing. The substitutions didn't have the desired effect, and the team looked devoid of ideas. He has to take responsibility for two points dropped.

Sporting Braga Player Ratings vs Rangers

Check out Braga Player Ratings from Rangers vs Sporting Braga UEFA Europa League game:

Goalkeeper

Lukas Hornicek - 8.5: What a performance. He was the hero for Sporting Braga, making five saves, some of which were absolutely top-class. His save from Fernandez's late header was a match-defining moment. He commanded his area well, especially under immense pressure in the second half. An outstanding display that earned his team a point. Our Man of the Match.

Defenders

Sikou Niakaté - 7.0: He was a warrior at the back. He made four interceptions and five clearances, throwing himself in front of everything. Despite being on the back foot for much of the game, he stood tall. He was composed and organized the defence brilliantly after the red card. A proper battling defender's performance.

Gustaf Lagerbielke - 6.5: Solid for the most part, winning the majority of his duels and making some key tackles. He will be disappointed to have missed a big chance with a header in the first half. He looked a little less composed than his partner Niakaté. But overall a decent showing under difficult circumstances.

Bright Arrey-Mbi - 6.0: The weak link in the Braga defence from our perspective. He was a bit loose in possession and struggled in his duels. Rangers seemed to target his side of the defence. He made a few important clearances but never looked entirely comfortable. He survived the 90 minutes which is a credit to him.

Midfielders

Víctor Gómez - 6.0: A hard-working but unspectacular performance. He was pinned back for large parts of the game and had to focus on his defensive duties. He picked up a late yellow card for his troubles. Did his job for the team without standing out.

João Moutinho - 6.5: Classic Moutinho. He was incredibly tidy on the ball with a 95% pass completion rate while he was on the pitch. He kept things calm and controlled in the middle of the park. He was substituted before the game truly descended into chaos, but his experience was valuable in the first hour.

Gorby - 6.5: Much like his midfield partner, he was exceptionally neat and tidy. He rarely gave the ball away and helped his team retain possession under pressure. He put in a real shift, covering a lot of ground. A disciplined and effective performance in the engine room.

Gabri Martínez - 8.0: The hero of the hour for Braga. To score the equalizer while your team is down to ten men away from home takes special character. His finish was superb. Beyond the goal he was a constant threat with his dribbling and work rate. A fantastic, game-changing performance.

Forwards

Rodrigo Zalazar - 3.0: He completely let his team down. Until the red card, he looked lively and created a couple of chances. But his dismissal for unsportsmanlike conduct was inexcusable. It put his team in an almost impossible position. His teammates bailed him out, but it was an awful display of indiscipline.

Ricardo Horta - 7.5: The captain led by example. He was everywhere, creating three chances and constantly trying to make things happen. Even after the red card, he didn't stop running and fighting for his team. His leadership was instrumental in Braga's resilient comeback. A true captain's display.

Fran Navarro - 4.0: A nightmare 45 minutes for the striker. He gave away the penalty with a clumsy challenge and got booked. It was no surprise to see him hooked at halftime. He offered nothing going forward and was a liability at the back. A performance to forget.

Substitutes

Amine El Ouazzani - 6.5: Came on at half-time and offered more of a threat than Navarro. He looked lively and had a good shot saved late on.
Florian Grillitsch - 6.5: Brought on to add defensive stability after the red card and did his job well.

Manager

C. Vicens - 8.0: From our viewpoint, this was a tactical masterclass in resilience. His team went a goal down and a man down away from home, but he organized them brilliantly. They never gave up and his changes helped them snatch an unlikely point. He will be absolutely thrilled with the character his players showed. A fantastic result given the circumstances.

Sportsdunia’s Player of the Match goes to Lukas Hornicek.