SC Braga Survive! Thrilling Europa League Win – You Won't Believe How!
SC Braga secured a hard-fought victory against Levski Sofia in the Europa League qualifiers, sending fans into a frenzy! The match, played at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, saw Braga triumph 1-0 after extra time, progressing to the next round.
Tough Test for Braga
Coach Carlos Vicens acknowledged the difficulty of the tie, highlighting that his team is still in the early stages of preparation. "It was a difficult tie," Vicens stated. "We've only had seven weeks to implement our ideas. The physical preparation isn't optimal yet, but we have important matches at this stage." He praised the team's effort and determination, expressing satisfaction with the victory.
Key Moments in the Match
- Niakaté hit the crossbar early in the first half.
- Lagerbielke's shot went just over the bar.
- Zalazar's powerful shot was saved by the Levski Sofia goalkeeper.
- Hornicek made two excellent saves to deny Sangaré in the second half.
- Fran Navarro scored a stunning acrobatic goal in extra time.
Navarro's Acrobatic Winner
Fran Navarro's spectacular goal proved to be the difference. Vicens praised Navarro's ability to find opportunities in the box, highlighting his special talent. "Fran Navarro has a special talent for finding opportunities in the area," Vicens said. "I'm very happy for him; he works very hard."
Looking Ahead
Braga will now face Cluj of Romania in the next round of the Europa League qualifiers. Vicens emphasized the importance of scoring early in future matches, stating that it would make the game easier. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by Cluj, recognizing the need for thorough preparation to progress further in the competition.
The victory against Levski Sofia was a testament to SC Braga's resilience and determination. As they prepare for the next challenge, fans will be eager to see if they can continue their Europa League journey.