Mark Hateley delivers honest verdict on Rangers defeat to Braga

Thu 7 April 2022 22:45, UK

Glasgow Rangers icon Mark Hateley has shared his thoughts on the Ibrox side’s 1-0 Europa League defeat to Braga.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s charges went to Portugal hoping to bounce back from their Old Firm defeat last week.

However, Rangers flattered to deceive as the hosts secured a slender quarter-final first-leg lead in the tie.

The Ibrox outfit made a positive start to the encounter, but Braga slowly began to take control.

Rangers had plenty of the ball throughout, but failed to work a single shot on target.

Meanwhile, Braga broke the deadlock five minutes before the break through Abel Ruiz’s fine finish.

The hosts also hit the post and had a goal disallowed during the 90 minutes.

Hateley said on BBC after the first half: “I reckon Braga deserve the lead, after a pretty good start from Rangers.

“They just weren’t effective enough in the box.

“If you were watching the first ten or fifteen minutes, you’d be optimistic.

“After that, it was out of their hands. It’s an uphill battle to get back into this game.”

And at full time, Hateley said: “It was a better half for Rangers, without a shadow of a doubt.

“Braga didn’t know whether to go for another goal or sit back and take 1-0.

“Rangers never troubled the Braga goal.”

Nonetheless, with just one goal between them, the tie is far from over.

And Rangers will surely fancy their chances at Ibrox in the second leg.

Up next for Van Bronckhorst’s charges is St Mirren away in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

On Thursday, Rangers will then take on Braga at Ibrox, with a semi-final place up for grabs.

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