Dominant Braga sweep past Nacional
Sporting Braga 2-0 Nacional
 Braga continue to confound the doubters who insist the club will not maintain their lofty position at the top of the Liga Sagres, as a convincing display against Nacional translated into a two-goal victory.
A goal in each half from Vandinho and Andre Leone ensured the Arsenalistas earn the unofficial “winter champions” title.
Midfield pair Hugo Viana and Marcio Mossoro were the stars of the show, completely outplaying their opponents as they ran their Nacional counterparts ragged. The tone for a superb Viana display was set in the 2nd minute as his pinpoint cross was headed into the net by Vandinho.
Bracalli busy
Alan, Viana and Filipe Oliveira all forced Nacional goalkeeper Bracalli into sharp saves to prevent Braga from doubling their lead before the break. The visitors were almost non-existent as an attacking force, with only the odd raid from Ruben Micael causing a degree of danger, notably in the 44th minute when his rasping shot flew narrowly over the bar.
Braga’s superiority was even more evident in the second half as wave after wave of attacks bore down on the Nacional net. A strong run and excellent cross from right-back Oliveira was at the origin of the second goal, with Leone taking advantage of a couple of ricochets to prod the ball into the net.
Viana hits woodwork
The irrepressible Viana was unlucky not to score a well deserved goal when his thunderous shot from distance smashed back into play off the post.
It all proved too much for Nacional’s Leandro Salino, who picked up his second yellow card and subsequent red on 76 minutes. Matheus and Viana came within a whisker of adding sheen to the result in the dying minutes.
This result, but especially the manner of the victory, will give Braga’s supporters real hope that their fairytale season can continue. As for Nacional, the islanders will have to pick themselves up quickly and regroup ahead of their trip to Lisbon to face Sporting next weekend.
by Tom Kundert
Braga:
Eduardo, Filipe Oliveira, Leone, Moises, Evaldo, Vandinho, Hugo Viana, Mossoro (Diogo Valente, 85), Alan (Yazalde, 82), Paulo Cesar, Meyong (Matheus, 74)
Yellow Cards: Leone
Nacional:
Bracalli, Patacas, Felipe Lopes, Tomasevic, Joao Aurelio, Cleber, Leandro Salino, Ruben Micael, Pecknik, Amuneke (Rodrigo Silva, 68), Edgar Silva (Anselmo, 67)
Yellow Cards: Salino, Patacas
Red Card: Leandro Salino, 76
Goals:
[1-0] Vandinho, 2
[2-0] Leone, 54
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I was watching the Braga game yesterday and their beautiful stadium wasn't even half full. I know portugal doesn't have many people, but compared to other big leagues in europe, their attendances are awful. Leiria has a nice new stadium, but they often get under 1000 spectators a game! Other than the big 3, braga, and guimaraes, the averge attendences are between 2-4 thousand fans a game which is very poor.
The Portuguese league will never have the quality and competition as other big European leagues because of the lack of a fan base for the small Portuguese teams.