Ally McCoist spot a star in the chaos as Rangers fans applaud his insightful analysis of Rangers vs SC Braga – He was spot on

Ally McCoist wowed by ‘top-class’ Jack Butland heroics in Rangers vs Braga

Ally McCoist was hugely impressed with Jack Butland during the first half of Rangers’ Europa League clash against Braga on Thursday.

James Tavernier capitalised on his goalkeeper’s early heroics to put Rangers ahead from the penalty spot just before half-time at Ibrox.

Butland has been one of Rangers’ standout performers this season, saving Russell Martin from further embarrassment in many games before he was sacked, and continuing to perform under Danny Rohl.

As has been the case so often in 2025-26, Butland was called into action early on against Braga, and left McCoist raving about several saves to deny Ricardo Horta.

Butland’s future at Ibrox was in doubt over the summer, with former Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein and Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles linked with moves to the Bears.

Against Braga, he made a fantastic low save to deny Horta from opening the scoring in the 12th minute, going on to make another couple of crucial blocks.

Speaking live on TNT Sports 3 on commentary, McCoist couldn’t hold back his praise for Butland.He said: “That’s a top-class save, it really is. It’s absolutely brilliant because he sees it late but still gets down. What a save that is.”

Stat Butland

Appearances 12

Goals conceded 11

Clean sheets 3

Saves 33

Penalties saved 2/2

Butland’s Scottish Premiership stats this seasonRangers have been peppered with shots on their goal for the majority of this season, and the 32-year-old has certainly made his fair share of saves.

Butland’s penalty save against Genk on 25 September kept the Bears in the match, and he is certainly enjoying playing in the Europa League despite the struggle around him.

With Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez in front of him, Butland has even more responsibility on his shoulders to secure Rangers’ first positive result in the Europa League this season.

Braga have already missed two big chances in the first half, and something must change if the players want to avoid another disappointment at Ibrox, despite being one goal ahead.

Rangers are struggling in front of goal once more from open play, and Youssef Chermiti and Danilo are struggling to assert themselves on Braga’s defence.

Play has been tidy in midfield, although it’s clear that Rohl wants the ball to be moved quickly to create more chances in the final third.

There are a lot of gaps in Rohl’s squad, and it has left the Rangers players struggling with options against an organised Braga side.

For not the first time, however, Tavernier was on the spot to open the scoring.

Should Rangers go on to get three points against Braga, Butland will have once again shown that he is one of the most important players in the entire competition.