The emergence of Braga as a fourth “grande” has been one of the most refreshing developments in Portuguese football over the past decade. The coaches may change, but season after season the Arsenalistas have proved they can live with their wealthier and more fashionable rivals.

And the bubble shows no sign of bursting any time soon. Leonardo Jardim’s team won 3-0 at Gil Vicente on Saturday to set a new club record of eight consecutive wins in the league and consolidate their third place standing.

The Madeira-born coach is refusing to get carried away, and limited himself to one of the most well worn football clichés when asked if his team would now be aiming for Porto’s second place spot in the table. “Our ambition is to win one game at a time,” said Jardim, adding that the club’s goal continues to be finishing the season occupying one of the top four positions.

One of the chief reasons behind Braga’s sensational recent run has been the form of Brazilian striker Lima. The former Belenenses marksman has scored ten goals in the 8-game winning run, and was delighted to contribute with a hat-trick against Gil, including this fabulous third goal.
 


“We won 3-0 against a team that is very difficult to beat in their stadium, where FC Porto and Benfica did not win. And Gil also beat Sporting at the Alvalade. Braga came here prepared. We’re playing good football and we deserved the victory,” said the 28 year old.

The ambitious Lima began the season stating he was aiming to score 30 goals. Many scoffed at his bravado at the time, but the stocky South American has now hit the net 18 times in all competitions. He is currently tied with Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo as top goalscorer in the Liga, with 14 goals.

“Being top scorer is not my foremost objective, but the goals are coming and of course I’m happy about that. But the whole team is to be congratulated. Against Gil we were coming off a disappointing defeat, but we knew we had to move forward. We played well. I scored the goals but I share the goals with the whole team.”

Viana praise

Lima reserved special praise for rejuvenated Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana, who has proved a profitable supply line for the striker. “He’s an excellent player, who always seeks out the forwards to help them score. Five of my goals have come from his assists. I’m extremely happy he’s part of the team.”

With the likes of Lima and Viana firing on all cylinders, and despite the low-key talk, a second appearance in the Champions League next season is a very real possibility for the rising Minhoto club.

by Tom Kundert

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