Charlie Nicholas sends Rangers stark warning ahead Braga clash
Charlie Nicholas has insisted that Rangers aren’t favourites for the Europa League clash against Portuguese side Braga, as per his Scottish Daily Express column.
The Gers have beaten Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade on their way to the quarter-finals but the former Celtic man has only given them a 40% chance reaching the semi-final.
Nicholas held back no praise for the Primeira Liga side who “won’t fear anyone.”
He said: “Rangers could have had a tougher Europa League quarter-final draw – but, make no mistake, if they treat Braga lightly they will be exiting the tournament.
“Many Ibrox fans breathed a sigh of relief as their side avoided big guns Barcelona, Lyon, West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt, who are all in the other half of the draw.
“With the winners of the Gers v Braga tie facing RB Leipzig or Atalanta in the semi, some supporters are already dreaming of reaching the final in Seville.
“But don’t be fooled by Braga’s modest pedigree. They might be fourth in the Portuguese league, but they’ve been building steadily.
“As well as being very good technically, Braga also have a physicality to their play. They won’t fear anyone, home or away.
“They are a hungry team who are desperate to carve out a European reputation and make a name for themselves.
“I would rate the tie 60/40 in favour of Braga. I think they edge it because Rangers concede too many goals.”
Momentum
Nicholas can take off his Celtic tinted glasses now. At this stage of the competition, there is nothing but quality sides left and Braga are certainly a team with an abundance of quality but the Light Blues are the stand out favourites.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are riding high in Europe this season having just cruised past two outrageously historic teams so they will be ready to face anyone.
The Bears certainly can’t afford to get too carried away at the risk of being knocked out but if they play how they have shown they can in the last two rounds, everything will be fine.
If they reach the semi-final Rangers are likely to face the competition’s favourites, Barcelona. It will be a hugely tough game but they aren’t the same team they once were and the Gers have already proven anything can happen over two legs of cup football.
First, they must see out Braga but it is extremely difficult to not map out the route to the final whilst waiting for the first leg.
In other Rangers news, Dermot Gallagher calls the Gers’ penalty a “very good spot” by Bobby Madden.