Eribo’s Rangers stage comeback win to beat Braga in the Europa League
Joe Eribo’s Rangers produced a famous comeback to beat Braga in the Europa League last-32 at Ibrox.
Steven Gerrard’s men looked like they were set to be swept aside by the Portuguese visitors who, at times, produced a masterclass in technique, control and composure.
Braga took a two-goal lead and with just over 20 minutes left the home side looked down and out.
Ianis Hagi, however, led a comeback, netting goals one and three, either side of Joe Aribo’s solo strike.
Rangers take a vital lead to Portugal next week.
Braga were dominant and confident in the first half, creating a number of scoring opportunities.
The first arrived early on when Allan McGregor was forced into a point-blank save from a set piece. When the goal arrived after 11 minutes it was a surprise to view, although the nature of it was. Fransergio pikcing the ball up and unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
The only surprise was that they didn’t add to their lead before the interval, although Rangers did create chances for themselves with Alfredo Morelos twice being denied by Matheus.
There was bad news though with the Colombian picking up a yellow card for dissent which keeps him out of the second leg.
Less than 15 minutes after the interval a fine move from the visitors saw Abel Ruiz net from the edge of the box.
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At that point Rangers looked down and out. Emphasis on looked.
Hagi brought them back into it by firing into the bottom corner before Joe Aribo, playing at left-back, meandered through the Braga defence to equalise.
Then, much to the disbelief of many, Hagi saw his free-kick deflected into the net.