Rangers roar into semi-finals as Roofe sees off nine-man Braga in extra time

As preposterous though it was that this tie rumbled into extra time, the Rangers support seemed to get added satisfaction from the belated nature of their team’s success. What a wonderfully fraught occasion this became.

For the first time in 14 years, Rangers will compete in a European semi-final. That much seemed straightforward for 82 minutes of this Europa League quarter-final second leg, such was the dominance enjoyed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side over a Braga team who had been reduced to 10 men before the interval. David Carmo’s late goal forced an added half hour and rumbles of concern in the stands. Rangers ultimately kept their cool and Braga, who finished the game with nine, lost their heads.

The defining goal owed much to blissful simplicity. Fine interplay between Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo led the latter to cross for Kemar Roofe. The scale of celebration – epic, in fact – as Roofe slotted home was quite the sight.

Despite the drama, Rangers are fully deserving of their last four place; they will not fear Leipzig given the elimination of Borussia Dortmund in an earlier round.

With just five minutes played, it seemed strange to envisage what had been a subdued scene around Ibrox before kick-off. The unease, of course, could be attributed to domestic struggles that should see Celtic reclaim the Scottish title before long but Rangers have used recent seasons to deliver consistently strong European performances.

Matheus, the Braga goalkeeper, will not count the opening goal anywhere near a collection of his finest moments. After a Borna Barisic cross from the left was flicked goalwards by Aribo, Matheus hesitated rather than beat James Tavernier to the ball. The Rangers captain stole in from full back to blast