Rangers qualify for Europa League last 16

A 1-0 win over Braga in Portugal ensured progress for the Ibrox side.

Rangers qualify for Europa League last 16 SNS

Rangers have qualified for the Europa League last 16 with a 1-0 win over Braga in Portugal.

Ryan Kent scored the only goal of the game to give Steven Gerrard’s side the away win and a 4-2 aggregate victory.

The Ibrox side held a 3-2 advantage from the first leg in Glasgow last week when they bounced back from two goals down to take a memorable win.

Steven Gerrard had made four changes to his side, the most notable being the decision to drop Nikola Katic for George Edmundson. With Alfredo Morelos suspended, Florian Kamberi played up front.

Braga played on the front foot from the off, leaving opportunities for the Swiss striker to get in behind but he was called offside three times in the opening exchanges. After another break Scott Arfield found Kamberi but he shot straight at Braga goalkeeper Matheus.

Kent then had a golden opportunity after good work by Ianis Hagi but he pulled his shot wide. Moments later Hagi fired a free kick over the bar.

Braga were allowing space at the back but were still posing a threat with Paulinho forcing Allan McGregor to tip his header over before Fransergio went close.

Before the break, Rangers were handed a golden opportunity. Referee Andreas Ekberg pointed to the spot after handball by Silva and Hagi stepped up to take responsibility. he hit his penalty firmly but Matheus stopped with an outstretched arm.

After 61 minutes, Ranegrs found the net. Connor Goldson and Ryan jack won possession from Braga and found Hagi, who played a ball over the defence that Kent raced on to, carrying the ball before firing a left-foot finish into the bottom corner.

Scott Arfield then had a goal chalked off for offside and substitute Sheyi Ojo went close before a late barrage of corners from Braga.

Rangers defended everything thrown at them and took their place in the next round.

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