Rangers defeated Braga 1-0 in Portugal yesterday to complete a 4-2 aggregate victory and advance to the last 16 of the Europa League for the first time since 2011. [via BBC]
Ianis Hagi had a penalty saved just before half-time but it would not be a fateful miss as, on the hour mark, he set up Ryan Kent for the only goal of the game at the Estadio Municipal. Scott Arfield also had the ball in the home side’s net late on but his effort was disallowed for offside. [via BBC]
While Kent came up with the match-winning moment and George Edmundson was named Man of the Match by BBC Scotland‘s Alasdair Lamont, another Rangers player who can feel immensely satisfied with his contribution is Ryan Jack, who delivered a fine display on the eve of his 28th birthday. Indeed, the midfielder was involved in the build-up to Kent’s winning goal, combining with Hagi as the Romanian played the pass from which the ex-Liverpool winger finished past Braga goalkeeper Matheus.
Jack ended the night with the highest passing accuracy of anyone in Steven Gerrard’s starting line-up, completing 24 of his 31 passes for a success rate of 77.4% as only Steven Davis attempted more passes than his midfield colleague. He had 50 touches of the ball, second only to James Tavernier among the visitors, while he also chipped in to great effect defensively. He stifled several Braga moves by winning two tackles and making three interceptions, in addition to his two clearances. [via WhoScored]
His performance was praised by several reporters afterwards. In the Daily Record, Gavin Berry said that he “stamped his authority on the park with a real return to his best form”, while The Scottish Sun‘s Colin Duncan wrote that he “added some much needed steel in midfield” in “a clever and committed display”. James Black of Rangers News said that he “done well to break up attacks” but peculiarly offered the view that “his passing let him down at times” despite him having the highest passing success rate of anyone in a Light Blues shirt.
As early birthday presents go, an industrious and assured display by Jack in a momentous Rangers victory is hard to top. He has every right to enjoy turning 28 today based on his excellent showing against Braga.
Rangers fans, do you think Jack’s contribution went somewhat unheralded? Were you impressed by his display against Braga? Join in the discussion by commenting below!