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| Thursday, 15 September 2011 21:18 |
Birmingham City 1-3 BragaArsenalistas off to perfect European start Braga got their 2011/12 Europa League campaign off to an ideal start this evening, with a well-deserved 3-1 win over Birmingham City, their first-ever victory on English soil. Helder Barbosa’s early effort saw the Arsenalistas ahead at half-time, and when Lima made it 2-0 just before the hour mark, it looked as if Leonardo Jardim’s men would cruise home. But Marlon King’s tap-in precipitated an uncomfortable spell for Os Arsenalistas, before Barbosa bookended a fine performance with a late third.
After a sterling performance against Gil Vicente at the weekend, Nuno Gomes was handed a place in the starting line-up by Leonardo Jardim, with Lima, Alan and Helder Barbosa forming a mobile support trio behind the veteran. Ewerton returned from injury to partner Paulo Vinicius at the heart of the Braga defence, allowing Djamal to move up to his natural position alongside Hugo Viana in the midfield. The home side started brightly, with Marlon King bursting clear of a mistimed challenge from Ewerton and finding Adam Rooney in the penalty box, but the youngster could only side-foot wide from close range. Braga were caught flat-footed, but Os Arsenalistas shook off any rust moments later when they took the lead. Early advantage Helder Barbosa, who darted between the left wing and a more central playmaking role throughout the game, received a cross from Alan in the D, with his back to goal. The in-form attacker laid a short pass off to Elderson, and finished the Nigerian’s return ball in with a neat side-footed volley. Replays indicated that Boaz Myhill might well have done better, but that will be of little concern to Leonardo Jardim and the small band of travelling supporters in the far corner. Braga almost doubled their lead moments later. Spector brought down Lima on the edge of the box, and Myhill did well to beat away Viana’s curling free kick. Birmingham were for a time unable to deal with the intelligent, targeted pressing from the likes of Baiano, Alan and Lima, but the away side failed to capitalise on the ensuing corners, and Chris Hughton’s men began to grow into the half. Rooney flashed a header over the bar, whilst Nathan Redmond was a livewire presence on the left wing. Birmingham’s physical approach (Rooney and Pablo Ibanez were particularly willing to assert themselves in a sometimes questionable manner) forced Braga onto the back foot for a spell, but Ewerton and Paulo Vinicius stood firm at the back; with Djamal also proving an effective deterrent in central areas. Viana, Elderson and Barbosa all contributed well going forward, but having taken the early lead, Braga appeared content to allow their hosts – who were always committed but somewhat lacking in a cutting edge – a measure of momentum as the first half drew to a close. Lima strikes, but Birmingham respondThe first thirteen minutes of the second half yielded little in the way of meaningful action, but just as Birmingham began to establish themselves once again, Braga moved two goals clear. Elderson’s cross was intended for Nuno Gomes but after a scramble the ball fell to Lima, and the Brazilian lashed home emphatically.Quim almost handed Birmingham an opening goal moments later, when his mis-hit clearance fell to Wood, but the burly New Zealander was unable to bring the ball properly under control, and Ewerton mopped up the danger with impressive composure. The chance did however signal a shift in momentum, which was accelerated by the introduction of Chris Burke by Chris Hughton. The Scot sounded alarm bells by shooting narrowly wide, then zipped past the dozing Elderson before finding Marlon King, who was left with the easiest of tap-ins. The next fifteen minutes were all Birmingham, as the home crowd urged their side forward. Baiano’s unwitting header almost diverted Redmond’s shot beyond Quim, and a long-range curler from the aforementioned Redmond had Quim scrambling to tip the ball over for another corner. The crescendo came in the 85th minute, when Vinicius tangled with Wood and was adjudged to have fouled the forward, right on the edge of the Braga box. Murphy’s free kick floated harmlessly over, however, and the sense that Birmingham had shot their bolt increased. Barbosa restores comfortThat sense was confirmed three minutes later. Carlao, who had come on in place of Lima in the 82nd minute, delayed his run beyond the Birmingham back line in order to remain onside, and Viana slipped the former Leiria man through with a perfectly weighted pass. All alone and bearing down on goal, Carlao had the presence of mind to gather his bearings, before coolly turning a precise cross into the path of the onrushing Barbosa, who steered his second of the evening beyond the stranded Myhill from close range.The other match in Group H saw Club Brugge cruise past Maribor at home with a 2-0 win. Braga host the Belgian side in their next Europa League outing on September 29th. Goals [0-1] Helder Barbosa, 7’ [0-2] Lima, 59’ [1-2] King, 71’ [1-3] Helder Barbosa, 88’ Braga: Quim; Baiano, Ewerton, Paulo Vinicius, Elderson; Hugo Viana, Djamal; Alan, Lima (Carlao, 82’), Helder Barbosa (Paulo Cesar, 90’); Nuno Gomes (Leandro Salino, 73’). Ben Shave |
Braga has really surprised me. Jardim has done a wondeful job in a situation that could have been soured quickly. This team looks as if they will be lurking all year as title contenders.
It's not easy to go into Birmingham, but this is a 2nd division squad. Which actually underlines how poor Nacional's preperation was.
Raffy, you're right. Nacional should be playing in Europa right now, but by the looks of their current form, they'll be drinking Orangina next season.
It's hard to imagine what has taken place there, since they have been a perenial mid level team.
Helder Barbosa is looking sharp, and Braga's defense hasn't lost much from last season it appears. If they maintain this level of play, there's no reason why they shouldn't continue to exceed expectations.
Ben
Congrats...
Forca Braga
Congratulations to Braga though, good job indeed.