Ex-Rangers star reckons introduction of Aribo broke up Sporting Braga's momentum

Published: April 07, 2022

The second leg of the Europa League quarterfinal clash between Rangers and Sporting Braga is beautifully poised after the Portuguese setup earned a slender advantage in Thursday night's clash at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.

Abel Ruiz's finish past Allan McGregor at the goalkeeper's left post in the 40th minute proved to be the game-winning goal.

Braga started the second half like they could carve Rangers open at will but the Scottish Premiership champions deserved credit for keeping themselves in the game.

Manager of the Light Blues, Giovanni van Bronckhorst made a triple change just past the hour mark, one of which saw Joe Aribo replace Ryan Jack and the Dutchman's strategy seemingly paid off though the visitors did not have a goal to show for their efforts.

Former Rangers and Dunfermline forward Rory Loy believes the introduction of the Super Eagles number 10 disrupted the momentum of Sporting Braga.

Shortly after Aribo entered the game as a sub, Loy was quoted as saying by BBC Sport : "It'll take Braga five or ten minutes to get used to where Aribo is going to play.

"It'll break up their momentum and give Rangers more of a foothold in this game."

Aribo made his 57th appearance of the season against Braga, with 47 in the colours of Rangers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : uefa.com

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