Hoffenheim left northern Portugal for the second time in recent weeks with their tails between their legs after Braga got their Europa League campaign back on track with a 3-0 victory over the Germans at the Quarry tonight.

In a curious game, two early goals by Bruma and Roger and a spectacular stoppage time strike by Vítor Carvalho resulted in a 3-0 victory for the hosts, despite the fact that in the intervening 80 minutes the German team did most of the attacking.

Braga’s players left coach Carlos Carvalhal tearing his hair out, especially in the first half, with their inability to keep hold of the ball or prevent the constant waves of attacks towards Matheus’s net.

No matter, the record books will show a convincing triumph for the Arsenalistas, which could prove vital for their hopes of progression in the competition given that two of their final three matches are tough assignments against Italian giants Roma (away) and Lazio (home). 

Under-pressure Porto coach Vítor Bruno saw his side twice take the lead against Anderlecht in Belgium this evening, but the Dragons could not hold on for victory, leaving them in a precarious position in the lower reaches of the Europa League table.

Galeno gave the visitors a half-time advantage from the penalty spot but Tristan Degreef equalised soon after the break following a calamitous mistake by Pepê.

Substitute Fábio Vieira put Porto ahead again late on, but the Belgians hit back almost immediately through Francis Amuzu’s deflected strike. Kevin Fernandes reports. 

Astana 1-1 Vitória

Vitória’s record run of nine consecutive victories in European play this season came to an end in Kazakhstan this afternoon as Rui Borges’ team drew 1-1 against Astana.

Fresh from their journey of 6700 km, Vitória were punished for wastefulness in the first half as Branimir Kalaica’s turn and shot gave the hosts the lead at the interval.

The Conquistadores continued to create and spurn chances, and it needed an 89th-minute header by Jesús Ramírez to salvage a point and temporarily at least put Vitória top of the Conference League table with 10 points from their four matches. José Ricardo Leite reports. 

Benfica got back to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League after a thrilling 3-2 win in Monaco.

Eliesse Ben Seghir put the principality club ahead in the 13th minute before Álvaro Carreras escaped a second yellow card before the break.

The woodwork came to the Eagles’ rescue two minutes after the restart, the Portuguese club taking advantage in the 48th minute when Vangelis Pavlidis equalised.

Wilfried Singo was sent off in the 58th minute but the depleted hosts regained the lead in the 67th minute through Soungoutou Magassa.

Benfica were set for a third straight defeat in the competition before Ángel Di María stepped up to the plate late on, delivering two perfect crosses that were headed home by Arthur Cabral and Zeki Amdouni.