Rallying cry is an empty gesture now
BY GARY RALSTON
BRAGA assistant Micael Sequeira has urged locals to match the fervour of Ibrox and march into the last 16 of the Europa League.
But his pleas – and those of star striker Paulinho – are set to fall on deaf ears as the Portuguese support prepare to snub the early kick-off.
UEFA have decided the second leg tie should start at 5pm to avoid clashing with Champions League fixtures.
The game was already moved from a Thursday with Porto at home to Leverkusen 40 miles down the road.
Only around 20,000 fans are expected in the Estadio Municipal – 10,000 short of capacity – and 5000 of those have travelled from Scotland.
Braga have offered free entry to schoolkids and students while urging local businesses to let workers home early.
And Sequeira said: “The fans can play a major role. I know the kick-off time isn’t ideal but I urge the fans to come.
“Rangers fans had a great impact on the first leg with the atmosphere they created and if Braga fans do likewise it can go in our favour.”
Paulinho, top scorer this season with 17 goals, added: “The fans can play an important role and we encourage them to come.”
Sequeira believes the two goals they scored at Ibrox could be pivotal and said: “That situation has a great relevance. We are comfortable with the first-leg result.”
Paulinho added: “The first leg was not the match we were used to seeing. It was an epic.
“We understand what happened at Ibrox but we are ready for the return leg and believe we can win.”