Abel Ruiz puts Braga ahead

Sporting de Braga approaches the semifinals of the Europa League after beating by the minimum (1-0) to Glasgow Rangers in a crash that resulted The performance of the Valencian striker Abel Ruiz was decisive. His was the only goal of the match, scored in the 40th minute thanks to a low shot that slipped past the post. The goal was the prize for a good first half for the Portuguese team.

There was a lot of respect for much of the first half, but as the minutes progressed, both Braga gradually grew in the game and advanced lines against Scottish pressure. The local team could go to rest with a higher income, because it crashed a ball on the post through Ricardo Horta. As well midfielder André Horta would score, but the VAR annulled his target for a previous foul by his teammate Fabiano on a rival defender.

Rangers tried to react in the second half, but their good intentions were not enough to break an orderly Bragantine defense and a team that, moreover, took advantage of any minimal opportunity to appear in attack. In the end, the 1-0 remained immovable, although the visiting team had a clear option to equalize in a corner kick that Goldson finished badly when he was alone inside the area.

The tie, yes, is still very open and will be resolved next Thursday at the Scottish Ibrox Stadium.