New Braga coach Franclim Carvalho got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 victory over Gent in tonight’s UEFA Conference League clash at the Quarry.
The 39-year-old coach has not had much time to work with the squad. He was appointed on Tuesday after Carlos Vicens had been sacked earlier in the day following Monday’s defeat to Gil Vicente.
The “new manager bounce” was in effect straight away, right-back Víctor Gómez putting the hosts into the lead in the 3rd minute after a wonderful quick passing move.
Braga were in the ascendency all night against the Belgian league leaders, Pau Victor and Ricardo Horta coming close to doubling the advantage either side of half time.
The Arsenalistas were given a scare in the 72nd minute when Momodou Sonko looked certain to equalise, but Braga goalkeeper Bernardo Fontes pulled off an excellent save.
Five minutes later the game was made safe, Víctor Gómez this time turning provider as he threaded through a sublime pass to substitute Gabri Martínez, who made it 2-0.
The lively Martínez twice came close to scoring a third goal as Braga ran out comfortable winners.
