Moreirensevs.Braga

The Archbishops saw their journey in Europe's second-tier competition come to an end despite a spirited 1-0 victory over Lazio in their final league phase encounter.

Match preview

Sitting 27th in the standings, Braga entered Thursday's clash with high expectations, needing a crucial win and favourable results elsewhere, and they did make a promising start by taking the lead in the sixth minute when Ricardo Horta fired into the bottom corner from Victor Gomez's cross.

However, that remained the only goal, ultimately insufficient to save Carlos Carvalhal's side from elimination as other results went against the Minho Warriors, leaving them to ponder what might have been after registering four shots on target but failing to secure the margin of victory that could have made the difference.

Braga missed out on a playoff spot due to an inferior goal difference, finishing 25th in the league phase with 10 points — level with 24th-placed Fenerbahce, who advanced with a one-goal advantage (-2 to -3).

Moving on from that disappointment, the Arsenalists shift focus to the Primeira Liga, where three straight wins — including victories on their trips to Benfica and Estrela and a resounding 3-0 success against bottom-placed Boavista last weekend — have lifted them to fourth in the standings with 37 points from 18 games.

More of those tallies were accrued on their travels, with the Archbishops ranked as the second-best away side in the division after seven wins, one draw and a lone defeat, meaning they have picked up 22 points from a possible 27.

Braga's impressive record on their trips is underpinned by a solid defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the top flight (four), while their attack has been equally effective, netting 13 times.

Meanwhile, Moreirense have seen their campaign take a turn for the worse, with a 1-0 loss against Arouca extending their winless run in the league to six games and seven across all competitions.

Prior to that, Cesar Peixoto's side had secured five wins in seven — a run that fuelled hopes of a first-ever European berth — but recent results have pulled them closer to the drop than the top four, now sitting 10th with 23 points, just six clear of danger.

Moreirense's struggles have largely stemmed from their inefficiency in the final third, having failed to find the back of the net in four of their most recent winless matches in the league.

Their impressive record at Parque Moreira has also taken a slight dip, with stalemates in their last three outings at the ground, leaving them eighth in the home table after four wins, four draws and one defeat.

Looking to get back to winning ways, the hosts have an unwanted record to contend with, having lost each of their last 10 competitive matches against Braga.

Moreirense Primeira Liga form:

L

L

D

D

D

L

Moreirense form (all competitions):

L

D

D

L

D

L

Braga Primeira Liga form:

D

W

L

W

W

W

Braga form (all competitions):

L

W

W

L

W

W

Team News

With the departures of Gabrielzinho to Shanghai Port and Fabiano to Ceara, Dinis Pinto and Pedro Santos are expected to feature on Moreirense's right flank.

The home side have also strengthened their squad, with Michel and Joel Jorquera recently joining from Palmeiras and Eldense, respectively.

Godfried Frimpong is back in contention after serving a suspension for accumulated yellow cards and will likely start at left-back, but Guilherme Liberato and Hernani remain sidelined through injury.

Braga have no injury or suspension concerns, giving manager Carvalhal a full squad to choose from for this encounter.

Chissiumba has made quite an impression in his first two appearances for the club and could start for a third consecutive game, having earned the manager's confidence.

Bruma should return to the starting XI, reclaiming his spot on the left wing after missing Thursday's Europa League clash due to suspension.

Moreirense possible starting lineup:

Kewin; Pinto, Marcelo, Maracas, Frimpong; Ismael, Ofori, Alan; Madson, Schettine, Santos Asue

Braga possible starting lineup:

Hornicek; Gomez, Niakate, Oliveira Bambu, Chissiumba; Buma, Gorby, Moutinho, Fernandes; Martinez; Horta; Ouazzani

We say: Moreirense 0-2 Braga

Written by

Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

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