Tavernier’s Historic Strike Overshadowed by Late Braga Blunder
Rangers captain James Tavernier made history against S.C. Braga but a late defensive lapse at Ibrox left him frustrated after a 1-1 Europa League draw. Tavernier’s first-half penalty put Rangers ahead and marked his 21st goal in European competition, equalling the legendary Ally McCoist, who watched from the stands.
Yet, despite being a man and a goal up, Rangers couldn’t secure their first Europa League win of the season.
Sloppy defending allowed Gabri Martinez to level the score, while Mo Diomande’s stoppage-time red card left Rangers scrambling for a point. Braga, who had Rodrigo Zalazar sent off earlier for a headbutt, were the side that looked likelier to snatch the win, explaining Tavernier’s low spirits. The skipper lamented his team’s lack of cutting edge in attack and defensive lapses, including Nasser Djiga’s error that allowed Martinez to score.
Reflecting on the game and equalling McCoist’s tally, Tavernier said:
“It doesn’t feel like anything right now because it’s really fresh after the game. When my time is done in football, I’ll look back on those types of achievements. But I just wanted to win the game and get the three points. That one hurts tonight.”
He added:
“It’s disappointing, especially with them going down to 10 men. It feels like a loss. We started a bit slow but after the first 20 minutes I felt we really got ourselves into the game. We were more aggressive with our press, but that’s when we had to capitalise. It’s the fine details in games and we have to be more clinical in both boxes.”
On-loan Wolves defender Djiga struggled, failing to read a Braga cross that allowed Martinez to score. Tavernier didn’t single him out but stressed concentration:
“I’ve got no complaints with Nasser, everyone makes mistakes. But ultimately, we should have that game tied up before that even happens. It’s just about working hard and staying focused for the duration of the game. We have to build from this.”
Rangers finally earned their first Europa League point after defeats to Sturm Graz, Genk, and Brann Bergen. Qualification is still possible but requires wins against Ferencvaros, FC Porto, and Ludogorets. Tavernier knows the importance of patience and focus:
“If we keep a clean sheet, we win tonight. We should have had this game in our pocket playing against 10 men. We have to be more patient and probe around their final third instead of trying to shoot when it’s not on. A 10-point total might be enough to see us through, but there are no guarantees.”
Tavernier concluded with the mindset every Rangers player must hold:
“Being a Rangers player, you need to win every game. That’s what the fans require, no matter who we play.”
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