Braga’s Conference League campaign began with a disappointing 3-0 loss against FC Copenhagen.
Bernardo Fontes’ poor pass went unpunished and Diogo Travassos did well to prevent Robert from pulling the trigger as chances proved hard to come by in Denmark.
Braga’s only significant opportunity in the first half came when Travassos got into the box and saw his shot saved by Diant Ramaj.
The game came alive in the second half with Copenhagen taking the lead in the 49th minute. Fontes denied Junnosuke Suzuki, Thapelo Maseko’s effort was blocked, Viktor Dadason’s shot was clawed off the line before Moha Elyounoussi finally put the ball into the net.
Carlos Vicens brought Gabriel Silva and Pau Victor into the fray, moved Ricardo Horta into an attacking position and it nearly paid immediate dividends. Silva sent Horta clear and he scored but was caught narrowly offside after a lengthy VAR review.
Braga continued to push for an equaliser but were dealt a big blow in the 79th minute. It was a well worked move down the left wing, Birger Meling sending the ball to Andreas Cornelius who found the bottom corner.
The substitute sealed the deal seven minutes later when Maseko punished Bright Arrey-Mbi and released Cornelius who was wide open. The striker showed composure and calmly lifted the ball over Fontes and into the net.
Deserved defeat
Braga had plenty of the ball but hardly did a thing with it, registering only one shot on target. Just as we saw in the qualifiers, the Portuguese club are as boring as it gets.
Carlos Vicens has been in charge for well over a year but still looks confused and constantly plays musical chairs with his squad. It appears as though opposing teams have figured his side out.
Vicens played Ricardo Horta, his most creative and dangerous player, at left wing-back with Victor Gomez, Gabriel Silva and Mario Dorgeles on the bench. Gabri Martínez was out but even so, what a waste.
It also appears to be a case of poor squad planning with Braga possessing too many central midfielders, strikers and not enough wing-backs.
Braga host Gil Vicente on Monday before welcoming Gent to the Quarry three days later when they will attempt to get off the mark in the Conference League.
