Braga take Benfica bounce into Ibrox clash

BRAGA winger Rui Fonte has warned Rangers that ending 65 years of hurt by winning at Benfica proves they can stun Steven Gerrard’s men at Ibrox.

And the former Arsenal player insists it will be an honour for him to come up against the former Liverpool captain in the last-32 clash.

Braga proved their credentials as Portugal’s inform team with a sensational win at the Estadio da Luz on Saturday, with midfielder Palhinha’s first goal giving them their first league win at Benfica since 1955.

It took new manager Ruben Amorim’s start to seven wins out of eight since December and former Crystal Palace and Fulham star Fonte said: “It was a fantastic night for us because the club have not won for 65 years in the league at Benfica so we made history and showed our strength. It proves we can beat anyone.

“We know what we are going to face in Scotland. Ibrox is a historical stadium and Rangers are a very strong team. I know they went through a rough time and they are trying to make up for lost time. So we know what we are up against and we know it will be a tough game, especially away from home. But we will prepare to go to Glasgow and get the best result possible.

“We believe we can win anywhere. You have to believe you can and it was the same here against Benfica. We’re on a very good run and there’s no reason why we can’t continue that in Glasgow.”

Fonte is well aware of what Rangers can do when they are their best and with a packed Ibrox behind them.

He said: “I know a few Rangers players. I know Alfredo Morelos and I knew Daniel Candeias before he left. They are a very strong team, who are up with Celtic and battling for their title. I can assure you our manager prepares very hard for games and we will know everything about Rangers by the time of the game.

“I watched Rangers against Porto. They are a strong team who are well organised. They are a typically strong British team who are physical. We know what we will face.

“The results against Porto showed how good Rangers are because Porto are one of the strongest teams in our league and difficult to beat.”