Rangers Football Club finally got off the mark in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League — but not in a way that inspires confidence. A 1-1 draw against 10-man SC Braga at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday, November 27, 2025, was enough to salvage a point, but the performance left fans and analysts wondering if this team has the spark to climb out of the group’s basement. Captain James Tavernier, 34, converted a controversial penalty in stoppage time of the first half, only for Gabriel Martinez, 28, to level the score just 24 minutes into the second half after a costly blunder by center-back Nasser Djiga. The match ended with Braga down to 10 men after a red card in the 76th minute, yet Rangers — despite dominating territory and corners — looked anything but dominant.

First Point, But No Momentum

Rangers entered the match with zero points from three group stage games, making them the only team in their Europa League group without a single point. The weight of that statistic hung over Ibrox Stadium, a venue that usually roars with expectation. When Tavernier buried his penalty after a handball in the box — confirmed by VAR — the crowd erupted. It was their first goal in European competition this season. But the relief was short-lived. By the 69th minute, after Djiga misjudged a high ball and allowed Gabriel Martinez to pounce, the atmosphere curdled into frustration.

Statistical Oddities and Tactical Confusion

The numbers told a story that didn’t match the result. Braga had 57% possession, 306 passes to Rangers’ 247, and 52 clearances to just 20. Yet they managed only one shot on target — the equalizer. Rangers, meanwhile, had five shots, eight corners, and 30 crosses, but just two on target. The disconnect was glaring. Rangers Football Club were winning the battles of set pieces and territory, but losing the war of ideas. "It wasn’t a lack of effort," said the Heart and Hand Podcast post-match analysis. "It was too much perspiration and not enough inspiration." The midfield trio of Denilo, Joey Barton (on loan from Burnley), and Josh Windass struggled to find rhythm. When they did combine, the final pass lacked precision. Meanwhile, Braga’s Ricardo Horta and Jo Moutinho operated with surgical calm, even after their red card. The dismissal of Braga’s defensive midfielder — a second yellow for a late tackle on Tavernier — should have been a lifeline for Rangers. Instead, they looked shell-shocked.

The Defensive Lapse That Cost Them

The equalizer wasn’t a flash of brilliance from Braga. It was a moment of collective failure. A corner from Braga was cleared poorly by Rangers’ backline. The ball fell to Oriz, who didn’t even look up before firing a weak, direct pass into the path of Martinez. Djiga, the 23-year-old Burkinabe center-back, hesitated for a split second — just long enough for Martinez to ghost past him and slot it past Jack Butland. The TNT Sports broadcast called it "Rangers’ fragile confidence at the back being ruthlessly exposed." And they weren’t wrong. This has been a recurring theme: Rangers can defend in numbers, but they lack composure under pressure. Three of their last four Europa League goals conceded have come from unforced errors.

Who’s to Blame? The System, Not Just the Players

Manager Philippe Clement has been under pressure since the summer. His 4-2-3-1 formation, designed for control, has instead produced stagnation. The wingers rarely cut inside. The fullbacks, including Tavernier, are isolated. The midfield lacks a playmaker who can unlock a compact defense. "They’re not slow," said former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson on BBC Radio Scotland. "They’re directionless. When you have players like Tavernier and Butland, you expect leadership. But leadership isn’t just shouting — it’s making the right decision under pressure. And right now, they’re making the wrong ones." Braga, meanwhile, remain in second place in the group with 10 points from four games. They’ve now won three of their four European meetings with Rangers — a psychological edge that’s growing. Their coach, Carlos Carvalhal, praised his team’s resilience. "We were down to 10 men, but we never stopped believing. That’s the character of this squad."

What’s Next for Rangers?

Rangers’ next match is away to FC Copenhagen on December 11 — a fixture that could define their European campaign. A loss there, and elimination becomes mathematically inevitable. Even a draw might not be enough. With the January transfer window looming, fans are already speculating about major changes. Will Clement survive? Will Rangers bring in a creative midfielder? Will they sell key assets to balance the books?

For now, the point is a temporary balm. But it doesn’t fix the deeper issue: this team lacks a vision. They’re not playing with joy. They’re playing with fear.