Braga knocked out of UEFA Cup by PSG

Braga 0-1 PSG (agg. 0-1)

Sporting Braga failed in their attempt to make history by reaching the Uefa Cup quarter-finals tonight. After Braga had dominated the first half, PSG’s greater European experience came to the fore in the second period, and a late goal from substitute Hoarau, taking advantage of a bad mistake by goalkeeper Eduardo, sent the Portuguese team crashing out.

After matching the French outfit in Paris and coming away with a goalless draw, a big crowd descended on the AXA stadium in the hope of watching Jorge Jesus’ team reach the last eight of the competition.  

The hosts were certainly not overawed by the occasion and went straight on the attack, forcing the game’s first corner in the very first minute.  

Woodwork denies Braga

And in the 13th minute the Arsenalistas were a whisker away from taking the lead. Paulo Cesar’s shot from outside the box was deflected by goalkeeper Landreau onto the crossbar.  

Braga continued to hold the initiative, with Joao Perereira offering excellent support to the attack on the right flank and the forward duo of Renteria and Cesar combining well and looking dangerous.  

However, PSG almost grabbed a goal completely against the run of play when Chantome sent a free-kick crashing against the bar with Eduardo beaten. Back came Braga and in the 34th minute Luis Aguiar’s free-kick was inches away from the post with the French goalkeeper looking on in relief.  

In the first ten minutes of the second half Renteria twice, Alan and Peixoto all failed to trouble Landreau with half chances, and as Braga’s intensity began to drop PSG started to look increasingly comfortable.  

That said, with Rodriguez and Leone in imperious form at the heart of Braga’s defence, extra time began to look a distinct possibility. Braga coach Jorge Jesus tried to freshen up his midfield by bringing on Mossoro for Alan, and his counterpart Paul Le Guen responded by introducing star striker Hoarau into the fray.  

Hoarau decisive

Just four minutes after coming on, beanpole striker Hoarau showed why he is one of the most feared forwards in France, as he got he head on the end of a long cross to head the visitors into the lead. Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo was badly at fault however, completely misjudging the cross and leaving the goal empty for the Frenchman to nod into.  

Jesus threw on Orlando Sa and Jorginho in a desperate attempt to salvage the tie, but two goals in ten minutes was always going to be too big to ask. Even so, only a spectacular flying save from Landreau kept out a stupendous Renteria volley at the death.  

So Braga came up just short but the Portuguese club can be proud of their efforts as they continue to build a solid reputation as a team that can hold their own on the European stage. The distraught players were lifted at the final whistle by a tremendous ovation from the home fans despite the defeat.  

by Tom Kundert 

Braga:
Eduardo, Joao Pereira, Rodriguez, Leone, Evaldo, Vandinho, Alan (Mossoro, 72), Luis Aguiar, Cesar Peixoto (Orlando Sa, 84), Paulo Cesar (Jorginho, 88), Renteria 

Paris Saint-Germain:

Landreau, Traore, Camara, Sakho (Ceara, 46), Armand, Clement, Chantome, Pancrate (Mabiala, 88), Sessegnon, Kezman (Hoarau, 77), Luyindula 

Goals:

[0-1] Hoarau, 81