Qarabag vs Braga Match Analysis
Match Preview
Qarabag aims to secure their lead against Braga in the second leg of their Europa League playoff clash on Thursday night.
The Azerbaijani team won the first leg with a 4-2 scoreline, positioning themselves well to advance in the competition.
Having won the Azerbaijani Premier League title last season and navigating through qualifying rounds, Qarabag finished second in their Europa League group, trailing leaders Bayer Leverkusen by eight points.
As the group runner-up, Gurban Gurbanov’s team faced Sporting Braga in the playoff round.
Their 4-2 victory in Portugal puts them on the verge of progression.
Marko Jankovic’s penalty gave Qarabag the lead, with Simon Banza equalizing for Braga before halftime.
Qarabag then scored three goals in a 15-minute spell in the second half through Juninho and Abdellah Zoubir’s brace. Joao Moutinho scored one back for Braga in stoppage time.
Qarabag had a week’s rest to prepare for the second leg, while Braga, known for their attacking prowess, struggled defensively this season.
Despite being the third-highest scorers in the Portuguese league, Braga has shipped in the most goals among the top nine clubs.
This defensive struggle continued in the Champions League group stage, where they conceded 12 goals.
In their last three matches, including the first leg against Qarabag, Braga conceded 10 goals.
Artur Jorge faces a challenge in shoring up Braga’s defense as they aim to overcome a two-goal deficit and stay alive in Europe.
Prediction: Qarabag FK 2-1 Braga
For the second leg between Qarabag and Braga in the Europa League playoffs, we predict a victory for Qarabag.
They secured a convincing away win in the first leg, enhancing their chances of progressing.
- Prediction: Qarabag to win
Both teams have averaged three goals per game in their recent matches, and over 2.5 goals were scored in the first leg of their Europa League encounter.
Qarabag has seen over 2.5 goals in their last seven matches across all competitions.
- Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Possible Starting Lineups
Qarabag FK: (4-2-3-1)
Lunyov;
Silva, Mustafazada, Guseynov, Cafarguliyev;
Romao, Jankovic;
Andrade, Benzia, Zoubir;
Juninho
Braga: (4-2-3-1)
Matheus;
Gomez, Niakate, Oliveira, Borja;
Carvalho, Moutinho;
Ruiz, Pizzi, Fernandes;
Banza