James Tavernier Sends Message to Nasser Djiga After Costly Error in Braga Draw

James Tavernier moved level with Ally McCoist in Rangers’ all-time European scoring charts with his penalty against Braga — but the Ibrox captain admitted he felt far from celebratory at full-time.

Tavernier’s first-half spot-kick, which put Danny Röhl’s side ahead, was his 21st European goal, equalling the tally of club legend McCoist, who was in attendance to witness the milestone.

However, even after Braga were reduced to ten men, Rangers failed to secure their first Europa League win of the campaign. Sloppy defending allowed Gabri Martinez to equalise, and Mo Diomande’s stoppage-time red card left the hosts clinging on for a point.

By the end, it was Braga — who earlier had Rodrigo Zalazar dismissed for head-butting Nico Raskin — who looked more likely to snatch victory. The draw leaves Rangers’ hopes of progressing in the competition hanging in the balance.

Tavernier made no attempt to hide his frustration, insisting the match was one they should have put beyond doubt, especially when leading 1–0 against ten men. He lamented the lack of quality at both ends of the pitch, with Nasser Djiga’s misjudgement gifting Martinez the chance to level, while Rangers again lacked cutting edge in attack.

Reflecting on equalling McCoist’s record, Tavernier said:
“It doesn’t feel like anything right now because it’s still really fresh after the game. When my time in football is done, I’ll look back on those achievements.

“But tonight, I just wanted the win and the three points. I’ll always try to help the team, but this one hurts.

“It’s disappointing, especially with them going down to ten men. It feels like a loss. We started a bit slowly, but after 20 minutes I felt we really got into the game. We were more aggressive with the press, but that’s when we needed to capitalise. It’s the fine details, and we have to be more clinical in both boxes.”

Djiga, on loan from Wolves, endured a difficult night — not for the first time this season — and his failure to deal with a Braga cross resulted in the equaliser. Tav­ernier, however, refused to single him out.

“I’ve got no complaints with Nasser — everyone makes mistakes,” he said.
“But we should have that game tied up before it even happens. It’s about working hard and staying focused for the full 90 minutes.

“If we keep a clean sheet, we win tonight. We should have had this game in our pocket against ten men.

“We need to be more patient and probe around their final third instead of shooting when it’s not on. It’s something we have to look at because the game was there to be taken. We have to build from this.”

The point was Rangers’ first in the Europa League after defeats to Sturm Graz, Genk and Brann Bergen. Their qualification hopes remain alive, but Röhl’s side must beat Ferencváros and Porto away, and Ludogorets at home, to have any realistic chance of reaching the knockout phase.

A ten-point total might be enough — but nothing is guaranteed.

Tavernier knows exactly what is required.
“As a Rangers player you’re expected to win every game, no matter who you face,” he said.
“So that’s what we have to do from now until the end of the group. It’s definitely not over, but we have to build on tonight.”