Braga took a big advantage in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round after a comfortable 3-0 victory against beat TSC Backa Topola in the first leg.

The Warriors were too good with Bruma opening the scoring in the 17th minute and Pizzi doubling the advantage two minutes later.

Artur Jorge’s side stayed on top and extended their lead in the 87th minute, capitalising on another turnover with Álvaro Djaló finding the bottom corner.

The second leg will be played in Slovakia on Tuesday, the winner of the tie to face Marseille or Panathinaikos in the play-offs.

The curse continues. No Portuguese team has ever qualified for the group stage of the Europa Conference League and Vitória will not be the first after crashing out of the competition in Guimarães tonight.

Vitória started the night in an advantageous position after victory in Slovenia last week, but a second-half header from Gregor Badje sent the tie into extra time then a penalty shootout, which the visitors won 4-2. 

After protracted negotiations, FC Porto have completed the signing of Barcelona midfielder Nico González on a five-year contract. The Spaniard cost the Dragons €8.4 million.

“It was complicated to close the deal because Barcelona are in the United States at the moment which made the contacts difficult,” said Porto president Pinto da Costa.

“But he was set on coming to Porto and I believe he’ll add to our team.” 

NK Celje 3-4 Vitória SC

Vitória were the first Portuguese team to begin their European campaign in 2023/24, and took an important step towards the next qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. 

Moreno’s men overcame a shockingly bad start to beat Slovenian outfit NK Celje 4-3 away from home in the first leg of the tie.

The White Angels will attempt to finish the job in the home leg in Guimarães next Thursday.