Sporting Braga progressed to the Europa League quarter finals after an electrifying 4-1 victory against Fenerbahçe in Braga.
Alper Potuk’s equaliser just before half time put the visitors in a strong position, leading on aggregate and with an away goal.
But Braga capitalised on a penalty and Mehmet Topal’s sending off to score three unanswered goals in a thrilling second half.
With the season the northerners are having, who’s to say Paulo Fonseca’s team cannot go even further. On tonight’s evidence, more and more punters will be tempted to have a flutter on Braga repeating their 2011 appearance in the final of this competition at Europa League betting at William Hill.
The match began with Robin van Persie scoring from an offside position to put the Braga defence on notice and Mehmet Topal was booked for simulation inside his own half. Braga took the lead in the 11th minute, Nikola Vukčević the architect with a defence splitting ball to Koka who slotted the ball past Demirel.
The rest of the first half was uneventful, characterised by frequent fouls and stoppages in play as neither side were able to gain any momentum. Referee Ivan Bebek asserted his authority near halftime, booking Souza and sending Fenerbahçe manager Vitor Pereira to the stands.
Nani assist
As frustration spread through the Fenerbahçe side they managed to equalise against the run of play. Nani broke down the left wing, his cross deflected to Alper Potuk who smashed in a volley to put Fenerbahçe firmly in control of the tie.
The second half began with Willy Boly heading a corner just wide as the game predictably opened up, Braga requiring a win by a two-goal margin. Fenerbahçe almost capitalised with a 4 on 2 fast break, Nani taking the selfish option and shooting wide.
The game turned on its head in the 66th minute with Braga given a penalty and Fenerbahçe were reduced to 10 men. Rafa’s shot cannoned into Topal from close range with the midfielder given a second yellow card. Josué converted from the spot and the game was well and truly on.
The visitors attempted to stop the Braga onslaught by bringing on Volkan Şen and Michal Kadlec for Nani and Diego, Fonseca countering with Pedro Santos replacing Vukčević. A minute later Braga took the lead.
Substitute Santos decisive
Santos’ first involvement was a headed pass to Nikola Stojiljković inside the box, the Serbian striker taking a touch and smashing it past Demirel to make it 3-1. Santos was involved again as he released Koka into the box with his shot saved.
Fernandão came on for Robin van Persie as Fenerbahçe chased the game but they were soon buried by another Braga goal. Koka released Rafa who surged into the box, Bruno Alves unable to keep pace as Braga’s superstar slotted past Demirel to give the Arsenalistas an unassailable lead.
With tensions boiling over and Fenerbahçe further frustrated, Alper Potuk received a straight red for a wild swipe at Pedro Santos. Their spectacular implosion was confirmed in extra time with Volkan Şen losing his mind for a third red card of the game as they finished with an embarrassing and disrespectful 8 men.
Turning point
There is no doubt that the penalty and sending off in the 66th minute changed the game but Braga made it count in spectacular fashion. Jubilation in Braga as they advance to the quarter-finals where they will hope for a fortuitous draw, avoiding the likes of favourites Dortmund and Sevilla.
On a side note, Bruno Alves was caught out for Koka’s opener, couldn’t stop Stojiljković for Braga’s third and couldn’t keep up with Rafa for the killer goal. The 34-year-old would appear a risky inclusion in Fernando Santos’ first 11 at Euro 16 on this display.
By Matthew Marshall
Braga: (4-4-2) Matheus – Baiano, Boly, Pinto, Goiano – Josue, Vukčević (Santos 73’), Mauro, Rafa Silva– Koka, Stojilkovic (Filipe Augusto 90’)
Goals:
[1-0] Hassan, 11’
[1-1] Potuk, 45’
[2-1] Josué (pen), 69’
[3-1] Stojiljkovic, 74’
[4-1] Rafa, 83’
