"Thursday night sees Braga and Nottingham Forest lock horns in a crucial Europa League League Phase clash at Estádio Municipal de Braga. Both sides remain firmly in contention for automatic qualification to the last 16, making this penultimate fixture a high-pressure affair. While this will be their first competitive meeting, Forest hold a psychological edge after a 3-0 friendly win over Braga back in July 2016."
"Braga's start to 2026 was far from ideal. A 2-1 defeat to Vitória Guimarães in the Taca da Liga final was followed by a shock exit from the Taca de Portugal at the hands of third-tier AD Fafe. However, Carlos Vicens's men responded in dramatic fashion last weekend, snatching a 92nd-minute penalty winner against OFI Crete after Gustaf Lagerbielke's dismissal."
"Braga will be without Amine El Ouazzani (foot) and Sandro Vidigal, while January recruit Samy Merheg is ineligible until the knockout rounds. Top scorer Rodrigo Zalazar (14 goals) serves the second of a two-match European ban, leaving Gabri Martínez likely to spearhead the attack alongside Pau Victor and Ricardo Horta. Veteran Joao Moutinho should partner Florian Grillitsch in midfield, while Sikou Niakate anchors a defense that could feature Lagerbielke, Carvalho, and Bright Arrey-Mbi depend"
Braga hosts Nottingham Forest at Estádio Municipal de Braga in a penultimate Europa League League Phase match with both teams seeking automatic last-16 spots. The sides have not met competitively before, and Forest hold a prior 3-0 friendly win from July 2016. Braga endured domestic setbacks early in 2026 with cup defeats but recovered via a 92nd-minute penalty win over OFI Crete to climb to fifth in the Primeira Liga. Braga have been consistent in Europe with four wins from six League Phase matches, including a 1-0 victory at Nice. Injuries and suspensions leave squad selection altered, with Gabri Martínez likely to lead the attack alongside Pau Victor and Ricardo Horta.
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