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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

World media react as Rangers hit with Braga 'cyclone' but Gio van Bronckhorst's lack of dare raises eyebrows

It wasn't the result Rangers wanted but it's only half time in their pursuit to reach the semi finals of the Europa League.

Abel Ruiz's emphatic finish has Braga ahead after 90 minutes as he struck amid a strong spell for Carlos Carvalhal's side before the interval.

Rangers' participation at this stage of continental action has them on the radar of media across Europe and beyond as they dream of matching the heroes of 2008 by reaching the Final.

But Gio van Bronckhorst 's approach was met with mixed reviews by many following the match.

It is all still to play for with this tie delicately poised tie to be decided in front of 50,000 supporters at Ibrox.

Record Sport looks at what has been said about the crunch Europa League clash hosted at Portugal's most unique stadium.

Abola (Portugal)

Abola's live blog nailed their colours firmly to the mast and they see no season why the Portuguese side can't find the path to goal at Ibrox.

"The game in Scotland will be difficult. Braga are lucky that their top scorer (Morelos) will not play. But if they play with the confidence they played against Monaco, I think Braga will score twice. Go ahead Braga!"

Marca (Spain)

Braga's stadium appears perfect to shelter from the storm but the leading Spanish publication noted Rangers were rocked by a blitz before the break.

And they credited Ruiz for finding the net after Horta had been denied by the post earlier in the half.

"Carlos Carvalhal's team began in a 'cyclone' plan. Ricardo Horta , ex-Málaga, shook McGregor's post in the 25th minute.

"A minute later it could have been 1-0. In fact, it arrived... but it was cancelled. André Horta hit a shot from the edge of the box and Tavernier deflected it into the net. However, the VAR detected a prior foul by Fabiano Silva on Ryan Jack.

"The man in charge of signing Braga's dominance was Abel Ruiz in the 40th minute. The former Valencia and Barcelona player caught a pass from Iuri Medeiros that failed to clear the Rangers defence to beat McGregor with a shot adjusted to get inside of the post."

Record (Portugal)

Neil Diamond has become the go to chant at big sporting events and Rangers fans enjoyed a sing song at the end of their disappointing first leg.

Portugal outlet Record noted it was well received as the sizeable travelling support headed for the exits with a rousing rendition.

'Sweet Caroline', a hit by American singer Neil Diamond, was the theme chosen on the speakers of the Estádio Municipal de Braga to end the European duel between Braga and Rangers. In the end, everyone thanked the choice, especially the Scottish fans.

O Jogo (Portugal)

No one is placing Braga in the semi finals but one outlet believes the result will likely prove pivotal when the team meet again next week.

"Braga beat Rangers in Pedreira (1-0), thanks to a solitary goal by Abel Ruiz, at 40 and takes a slim advantage, but precious before Glasgow."

Guardian (London)

The Guardian's live blog believed the rock face behind the goal would have proved a challenge for one of Arsenal's stars to get things wrong.

Peter Oh wrote: “Re: the rock face on one end of the Braga ground. I would love to see Granit Xhaka play on this pitch, blooter a crushing shot well over the crossbar, with the ball bursting from the impact with the sheer cliff.”

Cyprus Mail (Cyprus)

The result resonated in Cyprus with their match report concluding the right time earned the victory.

"The Portuguese side were rewarded for their domination five minutes before the break when Abel Ruiz found the net with a powerful shot."

Noticias Minuto (Portugal)

Minuto expected a rousing Rangers siege on the Braga goal but they expressed their surprise that the visitors appeared to step off after some early signs of optimism.

They noted the win was revenge for the defeat in the last 32 stage against Steven Gerrard's side back in 2020.

"A daring Rangers was expected in this game, even for being the Scottish champion, but the opposite happened. After 25 minutes of high pressure, the British lost the initiative to the Minho, who would score first by André Horta, who had the goal disallowed, and then by Abel Ruiz.

"Losing, it was foreseen that the Scots would leave for a more offensive game looking for the equaliser, which would open spaces for Sporting de Braga to try to make the second in the match, but Rangers was sent to the defensive zone, ending the match without a shot on goal by Matheus.

The concern was to nullify the attacking players of the Minho and hold this short disadvantage so that they could, eventually, 'revenge' the defeat of the game in their bastion.

"What remains for history is that Sporting de Braga is one step away from reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League for the second time in its history, after having already happened in 2010/11. It should also be noted that the Minho 'avenged' the 2020 defeat against Rangers, winning by the same result as more than two years ago."

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