Sp. Braga were defeated 2-0 by Naples in Italy on Tuesday and said goodbye to their dream of qualifying for the round of 16 of the Champions League. However, there is the memory of a qualifying campaign played until the last round, in a group with a high degree of difficulty, and the consolation of third place, which opens the doors to the Europa League play-offs for the Minho region.
Qualification for the Europa League play-off was ultimately possible with the help of third parties, in this case Real Madrid, which defeated Union Berlin in Germany (2-3) and allowed Sporting de Braga to retain third place in Group C.
It should be noted that the SAD of Sporting de Braga leaves the Champions League in the group stage, but with its coffers filled with 33.1 million euros, a value that includes the fixed bonus for presence in the group stage, the club ranking prize Europeans for 10 years , and also the cash prize of a win and a draw against Union Berlin.
Braga’s fate began to take shape with some misfortune after just nine minutes. Politano escaped Borja and crossed the ball, but Serdar, who tried to cut the ball, eventually put the ball in his own goal.
Before halftime, in the 33rd minute, the Italians made it 2-0. Nathan took the lead with a run down the left side and crossed into the area where Osimhen, with a clumsy backheel touch, eventually put the ball in the back. the net. Matheus.
At that moment, at half-time, the news from Germany was not at all encouraging: Union Berlin defeated Real Madrid 1-0 (Modric missed a penalty), a result that Sp. pushed Braga to last place.
The second half ended goalless, largely thanks to a handful of good interventions from goalkeeper Matheus, although Ricardo Horta hit the post in the 80th minute in Sp’s best opportunity. Braga.
The result prevented Arsenalistas from progressing in the millionaires league. But in Germany, goals from Joselu (2) and Ceballos allowed Real Madrid to beat Union Berlin (2-3) and at the same time helped the Portuguese team, which thus retained third place, giving access to the play-offs of the Europe League. .
SEE THE GOALS HERE:
Source: DN
