Chris Sutton admits he couldn't understand why Aaron Ramsey was bombed out of the Rangers side to face Braga.
Having started the derby defeat to Celtic, the Juventus loanee was dropped from the XI and remained on the bench during the first leg defeat.
It was a toothless showing from Gio van Bronchorst's side as they struggled to create clear-cut chances without talisman Alfredo Morelos.
However, Sutton reckons Ramsey could have been the answer for Rangers.
When discussing the quarter-final on BT Sports' Europa League Highlights show, he said: "In the second half Rangers got better and pushed Braga back, and (there was) a few substitutions.
"I'm really surprised there was no Aaron Ramsey. There was a lot made about the signing. These are the games you think Ramsey has to play. He's creative, and they certainly lacked in the final third."
Fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves felt Van Bronckhorst could be saving him for Ibrox, and Sutton responded: "Why? That's a risk isn't it?"
Hargreaves added: "Maybe he thought they are going to have more of the ball in the return leg, and Aaron would be better on the ball in the return leg."
Sutton rounded off: "They lacked that spark in the final third. Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be disappointed with the opportunities they didn't create."
Sutton believes going without Morelos could prove to be a problem for the remainder of the campaign.
He added: "It was a better performance second half, but no shots on target.
"What Rangers need to make sure they don't do is feel sorry that there is no Alfredo Morelos.
"He has been a big player for them not just domestically but clearly in European competition. Clearly they miss him.
"In terms of creating chances there was not enough tonight and that was their downfall."
