A last-gasp winner against Slovan Liberec by substitute Crislan (pictured) gave Braga a fourth win in five Europa League matches last night, thus booking Braga's place in the knockout stage of the competition.
Sporting maintained their excellent form, producing a vibrant display to beat Lokomotiv Moscow 4-2 in sub-zero temperatures in the Russian capital. The Lions will qualify for the next round if they beat Besiktas at the Alvalade in their last match.
A low-key goalless draw between Belenenses and Lech Poznan at the Restelo kept hopes of qualification for Sá Pinto's side alive, at least in theory. But to make progress, the Azuis have to go to Italy and beat Fiorentina, and hope the result in the other group game goes their way.
Braga 2-1 Slovan Liberec
Braga coach Paulo Fonseca continues to rebuild his reputation - after his forgettable tenure at FC Porto - as one of Portugal's best young coaches. Another fine performance in the Europa League resulted in a thoroughly deserved victory against Czech side Slovan Liberec.
In an even first half it was the visitors who took the lead, young Russian midfielder Efremov showing excellent technique to beat his marker in the box and finish neatly past Matheus. The Portuguese side hit back quickly, the evergreen Alan firing a cross-shot past goalkeeper Koubek, and a combination of centre-back Ricardo Ferreira and Slovan captain Bakos helping the ball over the line.
The second half was a different story with the hosts pushing strongly for the winner throughout. Rafa and Alan especially terrorised the Czech defence, and striker Hassan must still be wondering how he did not score in the match. The usually lethal Egyptian marksman had half a dozen good chances to find the net, but was denied by a combination of excellent goalkeeping from Koubek, the woodwork (twice) and some wayward finishing.
As chance after chance came and went it appeared Braga would have to settle for a point, but substitute Crislan had other ideas, latching onto a clever Rafa pass and finishing smartly to keep Braga top of Group F. A point in their final match in the Netherlands against FC Groningen will guarantee top spot for the Arsenalistas.
Lokomotiv Moscow 2-4 Sporting
Sporting responded to their embarrassing defeat in Albania in their previous Europa League match in style, producing a superb attacking display to completely overwhelm Lokomotiv Moscow. It was Sporting's first ever win in Russia (at the 4th attempt) and also their first away victory in Europe in four years.
But things did not begin well for the Portuguese team, Adrien's tackle in midfield ricocheting to Brazilian forward Maicon, who sped goalwards and beat Marcelo Boeck to give the home side a 5th-minute lead.
Sporting reacted well to the setback, increasingly cutting through the Russian defence with swift-passing combinations. Montero equalised in the 20th minute, turning in an Esgaio cross, then the Colombian combined brilliantly with Bryan Ruiz, the Costa Rican international showing magnificent skill to dink the ball over Dynamo goalkeeper Guilherme and give the Lions the lead.
Livewire Gelson Martins increased Sporting's advantage shortly before half time, Montero again the architect of the goal with a lovely pass to release the young winger, who fired under Guilherme's legs. There was no let-up from Sporting in the second half, Matheus Pereira scoring goal number four after a wonderful dribble and incisive throughball by Gelson, and only the post prevented Ruiz from scoring a fifth.
A late consolation goal for Dynamo through substitute Miranchuk did not take the sheen of a highly satisfactory night's work for Sporting. Jorge Jesus's team must beat Besiktas in their final Group H match in a fortnight's time to make progress in the competition, and on this form they will be confident of doing so.
Belenenses 0-0 Lech Poznan
Despite remaining bottom of Group I after a 0-0 draw against Polish champions Lech Poznan yesterday, Belenenses can still qualify for the knockout stage of competition if they beat Paulo Sousa's Fiorentina (who have lost their two home games in the Europa League so far), and Lech fail to beat Basel on the final matchday.
In a game of few chances Belenenses missed a golden opportunity to take all three points when Tiago Silva blasted a first-half penalty over the bar.
The visitors hit the post in the second half, but neither side could find the breakthrough. Although yesterday's display from the Lisbon club was largely disappointing, overall it has been a creditable performance by Belenenses in their debut appearance in the group stage of the Europa League.
by Tom Kundert
