Rangers player ratings as Fashion Sakala fluffs his big chance and Leon Balogun drops a costly howler

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side went down 1-0 to Braga in their Europa League quarter-final first-leg.

Rangers fell to a narrow defeat against Braga in their Europa League quarter-final first-leg.

Abel Ruiz' first-half goal won a tight contest as the Portuguese side took the advantage at the half-way mark in the tie.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst 's side were far from their best and failed to produce the standard of performance that's become synonymous with their adventure through this tournament.

Here's how Record Sport 's man in Portugal, Andy Newport, rated the Rangers players.

ALLAN McGREGOR: Rangers’ Euro century boy won’t be happy being beaten by Ruiz’ at his near post but he was left totally exposed by Balogun’s mistake. 6

JAMES TAVERNIER: Skipper’s carelessness almost cost the first goal as he switched off at the backlist moments before Braga smashed the post. Wasted string of from set-piece deliveries. 6

CONNOR GOLDSON: Got away with a couple of stray passes early on but looked more assured after the break with Lundstram dropping in to lend a hand. 6

LEON BALOGUN: Made a couple of important blocks but a horrible howler gave Braga their opener. Hooked midway through the second half. 5

CALVIN BASSEY: Allowed far too much threat to come down Braga’s right hand side as he struggled to get to grips with the lively Iuri Medeiros. 6

RYAN JACK: Dictated things for a spell but fitness issues after his long lay-off showed again as he flagged before being replaced. Booked for crunching into Couto. 6

JOHN LUNDSTRAM: Reading of the game was spot on, identifying moments when to step in and intercept. Dropped back to centre-back for the second half as he helped steady Gers. 7

SCOTT ARFIELD: Played a lovely pass into Kent early doors but as far as telling contributions that was it. Typically, worked his socks off as usual. 6

GLEN KAMARA: Mixed bag, losing possession too easily one moment before executing a sublime twist and turn the next. Still doesn’t look suited to the No.10 slot he was asked to fill. 6

RYAN KENT: The hero here last time looked up for it from the off but couldn’t maintain his impact as Rangers looked happy to settle for a one goal defeat which keeps them in the tie. 6

FASHION SAKALA: Given the unenviable task of filling Alfredo Morelos’ boots but missed two huge chances to give Rangers the lead. Hold-up play was hopeless. 5

Subs

KEMAR ROOFE (for Sakala, 62): Had no more joy with service than he did against Celtic. 3

BORNA BARISIC (for Balogun, 62): Rare run out for the Croatian. No sign of his recent confidence issues. 4

JOE ARIBO (for Jack, 62): Couldn’t provide the spark Gers needed for an equaliser. 3