SC Braga secured their place in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) semi-finals with a thrilling 4-2 victory against Real Betis in the second leg, sealing a 5-3 triumph on aggregate.
After a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg, Manuel Pellegrini’s troops started the second leg with fervour, as Antony skillfully directed a deflected cross from Abde Ezzalzouli into the net, giving the home side a well-deserved lead just 13 minutes in.
The atmosphere at Estadio de La Cartuja reached a fever pitch when Ezzalzouli struck again, this time finishing off Pablo Fornals’ low cross with precision, extending Betis’ lead to 2-0 after 25 minutes.
It looked like Betis were firmly in command when Ezzalzouli converted Antony’s assist into what seemed like a third goal, only for VAR to intervene and rule it out due to offside in the lead-up.
Buoyed by their good fortune, Braga’s Pau Victor volleyed home just before the half-time break, capitalising on a defensive error from Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente.
That goal ignited an immediate response from Braga at the beginning of the second half.
Vitor Carvalho’s powerful header levelled the score at 2-2, and momentum shifted dramatically in favour of the Portuguese club as they took the lead just eight minutes later.
In a fitting conclusion, the club’s key player Ricardo Horta sealed the remarkable comeback, calmly slotting home his 20th goal of the season from the penalty spot after Sofyan Amrabat fouled Demir Tiknaz, leaving Betis in shock.
The finale unfolded with tension as Betis surged forward seeking to reclaim their foothold in the match.
However, Braga sealed their victory on the 75-minute mark. A wayward header from Ricardo Rodriguez fell invitingly to Jean-Baptiste Gorby at the edge of the Betis penalty area, who expertly blasted the ball past Pau Lopez, sending Braga into ecstasy in Andalucia.
Carlos Vicens’ side will now face Bundesliga outfit Freiburg in the semi-finals, commencing with a home tie on April 30th in their first appearance at this stage since their 2011 final defeat to Porto.
On the other hand, Betis will return to LaLiga action next weekend, currently sitting fifth – a finish in that spot would guarantee Champions League qualification, provided that LaLiga secures an additional place for the upcoming season.
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