Surprise UEL Quarterfinal Matchup as Braga Takes on Rangers
Neither Braga nor Rangers were expected to make a deep run in the Europa League but the most unlikely quarterfinalists will meet on Thursday in the first leg. Braga knocked off both Sheriff Tiraspol and Monaco to get here while Rangers pulled off a huge upset over Dortmund and sent Red Star Belgrade packing. In what’s expected to be a highly competitive fixture, the first leg is listed as a pick’em by the most recent soccer odds.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and Europa League odds for Braga vs Rangers. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Braga Building Momentum
Braga has rounded into form lately, losing just one of their last nine matches in all competitions. On Saturday, they picked up a huge 3-2 win over Benfica to tighten their grip on fourth place in the Primeira Liga. It marked the first time Braga have scored 3+ goals in 2022 as Iuri Medeiros, Andre Horta, and substitute Vitinha got on the scoresheet.
It looks like Braga will finish fourth in the Portuguese League for the fourth time in five years, which would mean another season in the Europa League. However, they could still secure Champions League qualification by completing an unlikely Europa League triumph.
Braga looked done and dusted in the first leg of the first knockout round, losing 2-0 to Sheriff. However, they covered the one-goal spread in the second leg and leveled the tie. Braga won on penalties to advance to the round of 16 and covered for betting online in both legs vs Monaco, winning 3-1 on aggregate.
Rangers Coming off Derby Day Disappointment
In a massive Old Firm derby, Celtic defeated Rangers 2-1 to extend their lead in the SPL to six points. It was a disappointing result for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men, who could’ve blown the title race wide open with a win vs. their Glasgow rivals. Rangers came in as favorites but lost to Celtic for a second straight time.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey made a surprising move to Scotland from Juventus in the January transfer window and he’s now scored in his last two matches. He has a good deal of experience in the Europa League from his time at Arsenal and could potentially make his first Europa League start with Rangers here.
Incredibly, Sunday was the first time Rangers have lost at home since September as they’ve been one of the better soccer picks at the Ibrox. They’ve also covered the spread in five of their last six Europa League matches. In the round of 16, Rangers took care of business early with a 3-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in the first leg. They lost the second leg 2-1 but comfortably advanced to the quarterfinals.
Braga vs Rangers Name Head-to-Head
Braga and Rangers met in the Europa League round of 32 – two years ago, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down European soccer. Rangers advanced to the round of 16 4-2 on an aggregate and won both legs. The Scottish giants shut out Braga 1-0 in Portugal in the second leg.
Braga vs Rangers Game Information
- Game: Braga vs Rangers
- Location: Estadio Municipal de Braga, Braga, Portugal
- Day/Time: Thursday, April 5th, 3:00 p.m. ET
- Braga vs Rangers Live stream: fubo.tv
Braga vs Rangers Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Bragapk -140 | pk -140 | +145 | 2½+105o | 1½+150o / 1½-180u |
| Rangers | pk +110 | +200 | 2½-135u | 1½+175o / 1½-220u |
| Draw | +230 |
Braga vs Rangers Prediction
No surprises here as Braga are the favorites to win in this pick’em. The Portuguese are listed at -125, while the Rangers aren’t far behind at -105. The Rangers have struggled a fair bit on the road in the Europa League, winning only vs. Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the first knockout round. They’re 1-2-2 overall away from the Ibrox Stadium in the competition.
For those looking to bet straight up, Braga’s soccer predictions is listed at an intriguing +155 in the sportsbook. They’re undefeated at home in the Europa League, with an excellent 4-0-1 record. Rangers are listed at +180, which I’d recommend staying away from, while a draw is priced at +235.
Braga has scored in all of their five previous Europa League home matches and the Rangers are currently on a 14-game scoring streak in all competitions. That said, the O/U total is listed at just 2½. I’d think both teams will continue their streaks here and I’d look to the props and bet on Both Teams to Score in this match.
