Braga have qualified for the Europa League group stage

Braga have managed to overcome champions FC Porto to jump up to 3rd in the Primeira Liga and secure a spot in next season’s Europa League group stage.

Braga, who started the day in 4th place in the league, knew that beating Porto was the only way they stood any chance of catching Sporting CP, who were 3 points above them going into the final day of the season.

4th in the standing would have been enough to proceed to the Europa League third qualifying round, but 3rd offers the chance to go straight to the group stage of Europe’s secondary competition.

It started poorly for Braga, who fell 0-1 down early on, which remained the scoreline heading into half time.

However, after Ricardo Horta levelled the match just 10 minutes into the second half with a powerful effort from the edge of the box, while Fransergio put Braga ahead 12 minutes later, lashing home from close range after Braga hit the posts moments earlier.

They also required Sporting to lose against their arch-rivals Benfica to leapfrog them in the standings, and, thanks to an 89th minute Carlos Vinicius goal and the help of VAR, Benfica earned a 2-1 victory.

The result of the Sporting match was greeted with huge celebrations from the Braga players, staff and club president as Braga booked their place in the Europa League group stage, against the odds.

This was also the second most points Braga have ever earned in a single season.

Matheus. Photo Author: Богдан Заяц. License link.