Braga confirm Cup final place and Conceição keeps his promise

Braga confirm Cup final place and Conceição keeps his promise

Rio Ave 1-1 Braga (aggregate 1-4) 

Braga completed their Portuguese Cup semi-final victory over Rio Ave yesterday to book a place in the Jamor final on 31 May against Sporting. 

Éder put the Arsenalistas ahead just before the break, and despite Jebor's equaliser for the home team, the Arsenalistas held on comfortably to complete a 4-1 aggregate win. 

Charismatic coach Sérgio Conceição had promised beforehand that should his team reach the final he would jog all the way back to Braga from Vila do Conde, a 50-km route, and after effusive celebrations and completing his press conference duties he duly kept his word, along with members of his coaching staff (pictured). 

"Is this a dream season? No. It will only be a dream season if we win the cup," said Conceição. "I'm delighted for Braga, for the fans, and for the president who has done a magnificent job over 12 years at the club. I'm also very pleased for my players, who deserve this. It's not easy working under my orders. I'm a very demanding coach." 

Conceição enjoyed a glittering playing career, shining brightly at FC Porto and Lazio among others, collecting 56 Portugal caps along the way. He is now earning himself a reputation as a fine coach too. After impressive work at Olhanense and Académica, Conceição has guided Braga to their first Portuguese Cup final in 17 years. Ironically, the last time Braga made Jamor, in 1998, they lost 3-1 to a Porto side containing Conceição. 

There is little doubt both Braga and Sporting are worthy finalists having knocked out Benfica and Porto respectively, both away from home, on their way to the showpiece event that traditionally brings the curtain down on the Portuguese football season. 

So the question is, should Braga counter Sporting's favouritism and pull off a surprise, will Conceição be putting on his jogging shoes for the 350 kilometres that separate the Jamor stadium and the northern city?!

by Tom Kundert 

Related: Sporting make Portuguese Cup final; Braga almost there