"Big loss for them" – Sky Sports reporter reveals Rangers "fear" before Braga clash

The absence of Alfredo Morelos could prove the difference in Rangers‘ Europa League clash with Braga, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

Trailing 1-0 following their first leg defeat in Portugal last Thursday, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will be hoping to turn the tie around this evening, but they will have to do it without their all-time top goalscorer in European competition.

Morelos might have been struggling domestically, scoring just 12 Scottish Premiership goals this season, but when Rangers turn their attentions to Europe, the Colombian international usually steps up to the plate.

His goal in the first leg against Red Star in the last round was his 27th in Rangers colours, while he’s chipped in with a remarkable 17 assists.

As a result, Morelos has continuously helped the Gers remain competitive in the Europa League, although a thigh injury sustained on international duty will keep him out of tonight’s crunch last 16 tie.

Morelos already missed the first leg and the recent Old Firm derby after undergoing surgery on the issue and therefore won’t be able to help his teammates attempt to overturn the one-goal deficit and reach the last four of the competition.

Rangers did record a morale-boosting victory at St Mirren on Sunday, but Bridge reckons they could struggle to get the job done at Ibrox.

When asked whether they can reach the semi-finals, he told GIVEMESPORT: “If Alfredo Morelos was playing I’d say yes [they will turn it around]. He’s good in Europe, very good in Europe. But I just fear it might be one round too many for them.

“I hope I’m wrong, but Morelos is a big loss for them.”

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