Sporting Braga’s Europa League campaign continues after a 2-2 draw against Sion on a wet Wednesday afternoon at the Estádio AXA.
The Swiss side took the lead twice through Theofanis Gekas either side of Josué’s penalty, Nikola Stojiljković’s goal ensuring the draw which settled the tie 4-3 in Braga’s favour on aggregate.
Paulo Fonseca continued to rotate his squad, Marcelo Goiano at left-back with Baiano on the right, Ricardo Ferreira in for Pinto in central defence. Mauro replaced the suspended Vukčević in midfield with Josué in for Alan out wide after a strong performance in the 3-3 draw against Vitória Guimaraes.
Sion on the attack
Didier Tholot showed his intent with an attacking quartet consisting of Ebenezer Assifuah, Carlitos and Moussa Konaté supporting Gekas up front. It didn’t take long for his decisions to pay dividends.
Sion’s early opener came from nowhere, Assifuah’s cross from the right wing met by Gekas who nipped in front of Baiano and Ferreira and squeezed the ball past Matheus at the near post.
Braga responded well and equalised from the spot from a fortuitous penalty. Vincent Rüfli’s attempted clearance cannoned into Assifuah’s arm from close range, Josué making no mistake but Sion soon regained the lead.
Carlitos’ cross wasn’t dealt with by the Braga defence, Assifuah forcing a save from Matheus with the ball rolling agonisingly across the goal line and Gekas on hand with a simple tap in which levelled the tie at 3-3.
The first half ended with Josué’s dipping shot testing Venins, Sion going close with Edimilson Fernandes allowed time and space to shoot an effort inches wide.
Stojiljković strikes
Braga came out strong and immediately regained control with an attractive goal. Impressive combination play between Stojiljković and Baiano resulted in Rafa Silva gaining possession, his cross for Stojiljković steered home by the Serbian to put the tie on a knife edge.
Koka missed a great opportunity after making space for himself in the box, his left footed shot narrowly wide. Pedro Santos replaced Josué on the hour mark before Fernandes went very close for Sion, his shot taking a slight deflection which forced a smart save from Matheus.
Geoffrey Mujangi Bia replaced Assifuah for Sion as Braga should have killed the tie. Rafa Silva beat Vanczák with ease, drove into the box and squared for Stojiljković but his shot was deflected narrowly wide.
Rui Fonte replaced Stojiljković and Martin Zeman came on for Gekas for Sion’s last throw of the dice. A tense and exciting finale ensued, Sion with numerous chances for a late winner as Matheus was able to recover a spilled ball with Mujangi Bia ready to pounce, the Belgian in a good position shortly after with his shot deflected wide.
Stoppage time drama
Another Sion cross fell to Vincent Rüfli who unleashed a powerful shot which appeared goalbound, the ball deflected past Matheus and onto the crossbar as Braga held on. It was a thrilling end to a match and tie which could have gone either way.
Braga managed to keep Moussa Konaté in check for most of the match, the Senegalese striker unable to dominate the game as he had done in Switzerland. Tholot’s decision to start Gekas was justified with two goals from the veteran Greek striker and the French manager will feel unlucky to be eliminated.
Braga remain alive in four competitions, their congested schedule and likelihood of stronger opposition in the Round of 16 sure to be a sterner test than Sion.
by Matthew Marshall
Braga: (4-4-2) Matheus – Baiano, Ferreira, Boly, Goiano – Josue (Santos 63’), Mauro, Carlos, Rafa Silva – Stojilkovic (Fonte 81’), Koka (Pinto 90+2’)
Goals:
[0-1] Gekas, 16’
[1-1] Josué (pen), 27’
[1-2] Gekas, 29’
[2-2] Stojiljković, 48’
