19 September 2006, by Tom Kundert

Cesar strikes as Leiria surprise Braga

Braga 0-1 Leiria

An early Paulo Cesar goal earned Leiria their first victory of the season and prevented Braga from drawing level with Porto at the top of the table.

The decision to rest six starters in relation to last week’s UEFA Cup triumph against Chievo backfired as Braga paid the price for a poor first-half performance.

Leiria, seeking their first win of the season under new coach, Domingos Paciencia, started brightly and their early pressure brought an immediate reward as Paulo Cesar converted a pinpoint cross from Sougou in the 7th minute.

The goal failed to shake Braga out of their lethargy, and Leiria could have increased their lead before the break as they dominated proceedings.

Portugal’s third choice World Cup goalkeeper, Paulo Santos, denied Harrison who was put clean through by another fine pass from Sougou.

Carlos Carvalhal brought on the big guns for the second half, in the shape of Joao Pinto and Jose Carlos, and Braga at last began to create danger. The home team were within a whisker of equalising when Andres Madrid shot against the bar.

Braga winger Wender then did find the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Carvalhal admitted his team started poorly, but said they deserved a different result: “We did not take the many chances we created and we didn’t have the tranquillity needed. Even so, we could have been here all night and it seemed the ball wouldn’t go in.”

His opposite number Domingos Paciencia was delighted at the win, saying that it would give the club a big boost in confidence.

Next up for Leiria is a home match against Maritimo while Braga travel to bottom-placed Estrela da Amadora.

Braga:
Paulo Santos, Luis Filipe, Mauricio, Nem (Matheus, 84), Paito (Joao Pinto, 46), Frechaut, Madrid, Hugo Leal, Maciel, Marcel (Jose Carlos, 46), Wender
Yellow Cards: Nem (37), Paito (42)

Leiria:
Fernando, Eder, Marcos Antonio, Valdomiro, Laranjeiro, Harrison (Cadu da Silva, 82 m), Paulo Gomes, Faria, Sougou, Paulo Cesar (Toure, 78), Alhandra (Paulo Machado, 67)
Yellow Cards: Sougou (9), Eder (19), Alhandra (55), Paulo Machado (85)

Goals:
[0-1] Paulo Cesar, 8