RANGERS pulled off a stunning late comeback from two-down to seal a dramatic 3-2 over Braga to rescue their Europa League hopes.
The Gers looked dead and buried on the hour mark after the Portuguese visitors silenced Ibrox.
Ianis Hagi was key to a stunning Rangers comeback against BragaCredit: Reuters
The star’s late free-kick, his second goal of the night, secured a stunning 3-2 win for RangersCredit: AFP
Steven Gerrard’s side came from two-down to win the first-leg at IbroxCredit: Getty Images
But Steven Gerrard’s side pulled themselves up from the gutter and delivered three knockout blows in a late 15-minute flurry.
Braga took the lead within the first quarter of an hour through midfielder Fransergio.
The Brazilian surged forward, shrugged off Scott Arfield, and thudded a swerving strike in off the bar.
And they appeared to have one foot in the next round as Abel Ruiz doubled their advantage on the hour mark.
The on-loan Barcelona ace marked his debut with a finish from close-range as Palhinha then raced clean through to make it three only to be denied by Allan McGregor.
But Braga were in for a shock in Scotland as finally the Gers kicked into life.
On-loan Romanian Ianis Hagi showed his feet possess just as much magic as his legendary father Gheorghe as he cut in from the right and powered a left-foot rocket in off the far post on 67 minutes.
Aribo then danced past four challenges and calmly fired past visiting keeper Matheus to level.
And then the roof threatened to come off with just eight minutes remaining.
Romanian Hagi showed his feet possess just as much magic as his legendary father Gheorghe as he sent the home fans into bedlam.
His free-kick from 25 yards took a deflection off a defender, but the ball dropped perfectly just inside the post to seal the first-leg advantage.
Rangers still have a lot to do next week in Portugal to advance, and they will have to do it without top scorer Alfredo Morelos after his booking ruled him out through suspension.
Claims of racial abuse towards Alfredo Morelos at Rugby Park during Kilmarnock v Rangers
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
