Braga midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar insists he and his teammates will not be fazed by the intensity of Ibrox tonight, as the Portuguese side arrive in Glasgow looking to strengthen their grip on their Europa League group and land another blow on Scottish opposition.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Zalazar made it clear that Braga view the cauldron-like atmosphere not as something to fear, but something to feed off.
“We know the atmosphere will be intense, but these are the games we enjoy,” he said.
“It motivates us, not the opposite.”
Braga enter the fixture with confidence after recent European performances and their headline-grabbing win at Celtic Park last month, but Zalazar was careful not to draw lazy parallels between the Old Firm rivals.
“We arrive with confidence because of our recent games,” he said.
“but we also know we must be at 100% to compete with Rangers.”
The midfielder also highlighted the tactical evolution he sees in Rangers since the arrival of head coach Danny Röhl, describing a more aggressive and organised opponent than the side Braga had prepared for in previous seasons.
“Rangers press high and play quicker under their new coach,” Zalazar observed.
“We need to be smart in possession and brave when we attack.”
It was a clear indication that Braga are expecting a more energetic, front-foot Rangers side – and that they are preparing accordingly.
Spanish-born Uruguay international Zalazar, who has emerged as one of Braga’s key figures in Europe this season, with two goals against Genk in the previous matchday, framed the match as a chance for both individual expression and collective statement.
“These European games are where you show your level,” he said.
“I want to help the team make a statement.”
Like Rangers, Braga know the stakes: the match has the feel of a knockout tie, with the Portuguese side keen to press home their advantage and Rangers fighting to remain alive in the competition.
Zalazar didn’t shy away from the pressure that brings.
He said: “It feels like a knockout game. For both teams, the points are crucial.”
Braga come to Glasgow confident, prepared, and unafraid of the occasion. For Zalazar, Ibrox isn’t a venue that swallows players, it’s a stage where reputations are built.
Tonight, he’s determined to leave his mark on it and Rangers must be alert and prepared to stop him.
