Sporting Braga have been eliminated from the Europa League after a 4-0 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk in Lviv. Down 2-0 at the break after a Darijo Srna penalty and a Ricardo Ferreira own goal, Viktor Kovalenko’s strike and another Ferreira own goal condemned the Portuguese side to a heavy defeat to the 2009 champions.
Braga began the match well but were denied a clear penalty after Olexandr Kucher’s late challenge on Hassan went unrewarded. Not long after Shakhtar went ahead through a penalty of their own. Matheus brought down Viktor Kovalenko in the box after Goiano failed to intercept a ball to the 20-year-old playmaker, Srna slotting home on his record breaking 486th appearance for the Ukraine side.
Taison played Facundo Ferreyra behind the Braga defence with the striker hitting the post, Shakhtar continuing to attack Braga’s left edge as Djavan and left plenty of space to exploit. Braga’s left back went close to an assist after a dangerous run into the area and teasing ball couldn’t find a recipient.
Marlos was continually troubling Braga as the hosts took a 2-0 lead. Ismaily’s low cross was narrowly missed by Kovalenko but Srna returned the ball into the danger zone, Ricardo Ferreira unfortunate to bundle the ball into net. If there was any doubt about the result at the break, five minutes into the second half Braga were officially buried.
Darjo Srna’s cross was met by Kovalenko who shot at Matheus from close range, the keeper unfortunate to deflect the ball into his own net. Malyshev had a shot saved as Shakhtar were close to taking a 4-0 lead, Ferrerya inches away from turning in Taison’s cross.
Ferreira’s completes unfortunate brace
Stojiljković replaced Eduardo before Braga had two good chances, Rafa with a shot deflected wide and Josué testing Pyatov with a curling left footed effort. The pressure was short lived however, Taison surging forward on a fast break, a nice 1-2 with Marlos and a cross which Ferreyra was about to tap in before another Ricardo Ferreira own goal.
A disappointing evening for Braga but their Europa League campaign probably exceeded expectations. After negotiating a relatively easy group stage, two exciting ties against Sion and Fenerbahçe put them into the quarter-final where they were simply outclassed by a superior Shakhtar side.
Paulo Fonseca deserves huge credit for getting his side this far in Europe, a probable 4th place finish in the Primeira Liga, a Taça de Portugal final against Porto and a Taça da Liga semi-final clash against Benfica still to come. The 43-year-old tactician has bounced back impressively after a failed season at Porto and a rehabilitation season at Paços de Ferreira.
Braga’s success in the Europa League proved crucial in Portugal retaining 5th place in the UEFA coefficient ahead of France, an achievement which should not be forgotten or understated by Portuguese football supporters.
By Matthew Marshall
Shakhtar: (4-2-3-1) Pyatov – Srna, Ordets, Kucher, Ismaily – Malyshev, Stepanenko – Marlos (Eduardo 77’), Kovalenko (Bernard 86’), Taison (Dentinho 78’) – Ferreyra
Braga: (4-4-2) Matheus – Goiano, Boly (Pinto 78’), Ricardo Ferreira, Djavan Ferreira – Josué, Vukčević, Luiz Carlos (Mauro 78’) Rafa Silva– Koka, Eduardo (Stojiljković 57’)
Goals:
[1-0] Srna (PG) 25’
[2-0] Ricardo Ferreira (OG) 42’
[3-0] Kovalenko 50’
[4-0] Ricardo Ferreira (OG) 73’
