Jay Bothroyd's first goal in QPR colours handed Neil Warnock's men an opening victory in the Trofeo Bartolotti.
Bothroyd - who used to ply his trade in Italy for Perugia - bagged the only goal of the opening 45 minute match of the tournament, firing home on 19 minutes.
Adel Taarabt and Bradley Orr were heavily involved in the goal, with the latter's pin-point centre leaving the former Cardiff City front-man with the simplest of finishes from the edge of the six-yard box.
The victory means QPR will now play hosts Atalanta at 10.00pm local time in game three of the three match tournament.
Neil Warnock named a strong side against last season's Europa League finalists.
Paddy Kenny lined up in goal, with the R's back four comprising of Orr, Danny Gabbidon, Matt Connolly and Clint Hill.
Kieron Dyer partnered Ali Faurlin in midfield, with skipper Taarabt, Tommy Smith and Hogan Ephraim providing the support for Bothroyd in attack.
After a slow start, it was Braga who fashioned the first chance of note in the seventh minute.
Left-back Vincius galloped down the flank, before firing a curled effort on target which Kenny did well to smother.
But it was Rangers who took the lead on 19 minutes - and what a goal it was too!
Taarabt's pinpoint cross-field pass found the roaming Orr and when he opted to cushion a first time volley across the face of the six-yard box, Bothroyd fired the R's in front from close range.
Braga should've been level moments later, but Lima - with the goal at his mercy - skewed the ball wide from ten yards, when it appeared easier to score.
Rangers were forced into a change on 31 minutes, with Akos Buzsaky replacing Ephraim.
7With the local Atalanta fans in full voice ahead of their side's opening match, the R's - despite Kenny being forced to tip over a goal-bound header - comfortably saw out the last few minutes to register a noteworthy victory.
QPR: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Dyer, Connolly, Gabbidon, Taarabt, Ephraim (Buzsaky 31), Bothroyd, Smith, Faurlin.
Subs: Trialist, Gorkss, Hall, Trialist, Buzsaky, Derry, Vaagan-Moen, Agyemang.
Braga: Quim, Coelho, Ewerton, Baiano, Lima (Meyong 27), Djamal (Barbosa 39), P Vinicius (Galo 27), Luis, Alan, Pizzi, Viana.
Subs: Marcos, Vinicius, Mossoro, Cesar, Henrique, Gomes, Imorou, Salino.
