Disappointment in Europe:
Rangers and Aberdeen Held to Costly Draws
A frustrating night of European football for Scotland’s hopefuls. Both Rangers and Aberdeen were held to 1-1 draws in their respective UEFA Europa League and Conference League matches.
It was a frustrating night of European football for Scotland’s hopefuls. Both Rangers and Aberdeen were held to 1-1 draws in their respective UEFA Europa League and Conference League matches on November 27, 2025. Rangers couldn’t capitalize on a man advantage against Braga, while Aberdeen’s qualification dreams took a major hit after a stalemate with FC Noah. Ultimately, both results leave the Scottish clubs with mountains to climb in their European campaigns.
Rangers’ Knockout Hopes Fade After Braga Stalemate
Rangers secured their first point of the Europa League season but missed a golden opportunity, drawing 1-1 with 10-man SC Braga at Ibrox. The result severely diminishes their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
A Tale of Two Halves and Red Cards
The match started slowly for the home side. In fact, Braga created the better early chances, forcing goalkeeper Jack Butland into several important saves. However, Rangers grew into the game and were rewarded just before the break. After a VAR review spotted a handball, captain James Tavernier stepped up and calmly converted the penalty. This crucial goal also marked his 21st in European competitions, drawing him level with club legend Ally McCoist.
The game’s dynamic shifted dramatically around the hour mark. Braga’s Rodrigo Zalazar received a straight red card for violent conduct. Despite this, the ten men of Braga showed incredible resilience. Just eight minutes later, they capitalized on a defensive mistake by Nasser Djiga. Gabri Martinez pounced on the error to score the equalizer, stunning the Ibrox crowd. The drama wasn’t over, as Rangers were also reduced to ten men in stoppage time when Mohamed Diomande received a second yellow card.
The key moments included:
- 45+3′: James Tavernier scores from the penalty spot.
- 61′: Braga’s Rodrigo Zalazar is sent off.
- 69′: Gabri Martinez equalizes for the 10-man visitors.
- 90+5′: Mohamed Diomande receives a second yellow card.
This draw extends Rangers’ winless run in Europe to eight matches.
Aberdeen’s Conference League Journey in Jeopardy
In a match manager Jimmy Thelin labelled a “must-win,” Aberdeen were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Armenian champions FC Noah. Consequently, the Dons’ hopes of qualifying from their Conference League group are now hanging by a thread.
A Strong Start Undone
Aberdeen looked set to secure the vital three points when Kevin Nisbet scored a superb goal on the stroke of halftime. It was his first goal of the season and seemed to give the team the momentum they desperately needed.
However, the second half told a different story. FC Noah came out with renewed purpose and found an equalizer just seven minutes after the restart. Nardin Mulahusejnovic, who has impressively scored in every Conference League game this season, netted with a diving header in the 52nd minute. Despite late pressure, Aberdeen couldn’t find a winner, and the Pittodrie crowd voiced its frustration at the final whistle. The draw leaves the Dons with just two points from four matches, sitting 33rd in the 36-team table.
A Tough Road Ahead
Ultimately, Thursday was a night of missed opportunities for both Rangers and Aberdeen. Earning just a single point each, both clubs face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout rounds of their respective European competitions. They will need to find winning form in their final two games and hope other results go their way.
