Braga take on the visitors Servette in the first leg semifinals of UEFA Europa League qualification. The match will be played on Thursday, August 8th at Estádio Municipal de Braga (Braga).
The experienced European campaigner Braga is rightly considered the favorite in the Europa League qualification tie against Servette. Last season, the "Arsenalistas" were close to securing bronze medals but ultimately ceded them to Porto, finishing in their usual fourth place. In the previous stage of the tournament, the team easily dispatched Maccabi Petah Tikva (2-0 and 5-0). Before that, they performed well in summer friendlies (five wins in eight matches). During the offseason, Braga managed to retain their two best forwards from last year: Congolese striker Banza (21 goals + 4 assists) and Portuguese player Horta (9 goals + 1 assist). The team also signed striker Gabi Martinez, who scored nine goals last season for Mirandés in Spain's Segunda Division, as a free agent. They acquired Moroccan forward El-Ouzani (11 goals + 5 assists last season) from Guingamp and Roberto Fernandez Jan (20 goals in 39 matches) from Malaga. Braga has a strong squad and consistently performs well in European competitions. Over the last decade, the team missed only one European campaign, reached the Europa League quarter-finals twice, the final once, played in the Conference League playoffs, and the Champions League group stage. Their opponent is strong but manageable for the Portuguese side.
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Since the mid-2000s, the team had not participated in European competitions, but in the last five years, they have consistently qualified. Last season, the "Grenats" won the bronze medals in the Swiss Championship, the national cup, and reached the Conference League round of 16. However, their squad is much weaker than Braga’s, and they lack European experience. Additionally, their top scorer from last season, Ivorian Kyei Bédia (10 goals + 3 assists), now plays for German club Union. Another attacking leader, Enzo Crivelli (8 goals), has yet to complete a full match in the four league rounds and has only scored once. In their last round, Servette lost to Lugano (1-3), ending their successful run. I believe the first duel against Portugal's bronze medalists will not end well for the Swiss side. While Servette looks decent in attack, outscoring the "Arsenalistas" on their home turf is unlikely.
In this two-legged tie of the Europa League third qualifying round, it will be determined who is stronger right now: the bronze medalists of the Portuguese championship or the third-placed team of the Swiss Super League. I believe that, at least in the first game, which will take place at Braga's Municipal Stadium, the favorite is clear. The "Arsenalistas" should secure a home victory and gain a comfortable advantage before the return leg. Everything points in favor of Daniel Sousa’s men. The level of the Portuguese league in club football is higher than that of the Swiss league. Braga has much more experience in European competitions compared to Servette. The Portuguese side's squad is significantly stronger. The total market value of the home team’s squad is €127 million, while the visitors’ is €24 million. It stands to reason that Braga also has a higher budget and conducted a more extensive summer transfer campaign. Additionally, the Portuguese league has not started yet, while Servette already has to spread their efforts between European matches and domestic Super League games. And, of course, we cannot forget the home-field advantage, which adds to the already strong list of arguments in favor of the favorite.
Prediction for the match: Braga to win.
