Braga and Real Betis played their part in an entertaining 1-1 draw in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg at the Quarry.
Grillitsch scores early
The Warriors got off to a flying start, Gabri Martínez and Pau Victor combining to create a chance for Ricardo Horta who fired a tame effort at Pau López.
Braga remained on top and opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Diego Rodrigues’ low corner was met by Florian Grillitsch at the near post, the German doing well to guide the ball past López.
Que finalização de Grillitsch 🔥
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🤩 @EuropaLeague | @SCBragaOficial 1 x 0 @RealBetis #DAZNEuropa #DAZNBetano pic.twitter.com/lqaxD9w6fv
Marc Bartra immediately scored from an offside position before Sofyan Amrabat was booked for a late challenge on Diego Rodrigues. The midfielder didn’t last much longer and was replaced by João Moutinho.
Betis take control
Real Betis got on top with a well worked free kick resulting in Bartra heading the ball against the post. Abde Ezzalzouli and Hernández forced saves from Hornicek who was becoming increasingly busy.
The goalkeeper collected more efforts from Fornals, Hernández and Álvaro Fidalgo before Braga gained some confidence in added time. Moutinho’s shot was blocked and Pau Victor missed the target after a fine pass from Víctor Gómez.
Manuel Pellegrini brought on Antony for Sofyan Amrabat at the break which saw Pablo Fornals drop into midfield. Grillitsch forced a diving save from López but it was the visitors who regained control once again.
Hernández equalises from the spot
Antony was targeting Bright Arrey-Mbi and it was from that avenue that Real Betis were awarded a penalty in the 60th minute.
Hernández sent Abde Ezzalzouli into the box and Jean-Baptiste Gorby made a rash challenge that gave referee Felix Zwayer an easy decision to make. Hernández stepped up and finished with confidence.
Pellegrini immediately made two changes in midfield with Álvaro Fidalgo and Marc Roca making way for Sergi Altimira and Nelson Deossa. The significant travelling support were now in full voice and contributing to an awesome atmosphere.
Natan and Grillitsch were booked as both managers got busy, emptying their benches betweek the 77th and 84th minutes.
The patterns of play continued, Braga enjoying plenty of ball but doing very little with it and not creating any clear chances.
Antony went close to stealing it in added time when he cut inside and narrowly missed the top corner. Sikou Niakaté went down with a foot injury in the final minute and hobbled off the pitch.
Braga travel to Spain next week where they have a tough task to replicate their 2010/11 Europa League quarter-final success when they beat Dynamo Kyiv on their way to the final.
Vicens will be desperate for Rodrigo Zalazar to be available, the playmaker sorely missed with Ricardo Horta unable to carry the creative load by himself.
The manager discussed the difficulties in the final third: "At halftime we talked, you could see a bit of a lack of composure in the first phase of build-up, which is related to this Europa League quarter-final scenario. In the second half, you could see they were more relaxed, more confident in themselves.
"After transmitting composure and confidence, the team made fewer mistakes in passing. Then comes the moment when you notice the lack of energy in the final third.
"We tried to find solutions, by changing players in midfield, to get the second goal. We conceded a goal at a good moment. It was a play where we were unlucky, we have to learn from our mistakes and go to Sevilla to fight for the tie."
Manuel Pellegrini’s side proved they are superior and the home crowd advantage could be a significant factor in Sevilla.
Lineups
Braga (3-4-2-1) Lukas Hornicek; Gustaf Lagerbielke, Sikou Niakaté, Bright Arrey-Mbi; Víctor Gómez, Gorby Baptiste, Florian Grillitsch (Gabriel Moscardo 84’), Gabri Martínez (Mario Dorgeles 77’), Diego Rodrigues (João Moutinho 18’); Ricardo Horta (Fran Navarro 77’); Pau Victor (Demir Tiknaz 84’)
Unused substitutes: Tiago Sá, João Carvalho, Paulo Oliveira, Leonardo Lelo, Yanis da Rocha, Vitor Carvalho, Amine El Ouazzani
Coach: Carlos Vicens
Real Betis (4-3-3) Pau López; Aitor Ruibal, Marc Bartra, Natan, Ricardo Rodríguez; Álvaro Fidalgo (Sergi Altimira 63’), Sofyan Amrabat (Antony 46’), Marc Roca (Nelson Deossa (63’); Pablo Fornals, Cucho Hernández (Chimy Ávila 82’), Abde Ezzalzouli (Rodrigo Riquelme 78’)
Unused substitutes: Álvaro Valles, Adrián San Miguel, Héctor Bellerín, Valentín Gómez, Diego Llorente, Pablo García
Coach: Manuel Pellegrini
Goals:
[1-0] Florian Grillitsch 5'
[1-1] Cucho Hernández 61' P
