Sporting de Braga are hoping he can secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage against Panathinaikos in Athens on Tuesday in a second play-off leg in which he starts narrowly.
Bragza are looking for a result that will allow them to reach the “Bullets” of the “Champions” for the third time in their history, after performances in the 2010/11 and 2012/13 seasons.
A week ago, in the first leg at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, Migno’s team beat the Greeks 2-1 against Abel Ruiz in the 51st minute and Alvaro Djalo in the 73rd minute with goals.
In the clash at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, coach Artur Jorge will not have injured Libyan midfielder Al Musrati, so he is a big downfall in a squad that includes Braga’s latest signing of Portugal international João Moutinho, though he may not have made his debut yet as not registered with UEFA.
In addition to the minimal advantage in a draw, the Arsenalists arrive in the Greek capital more “freely” than the opponents, since the third round match of the I League against Moreirense was postponed to September 9, and Panathinaikos played on Saturday – they beat Volos (3-0) in championship.
Sporting Braga and Panathinaikos are discussing a place in the group stage of the millionaires competition from 20:00 at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, in a game to be refereed by Italian Daniele Orsato.
Should Sporting Braga win the round, they will join national champions Benfica and runners-up Porto in a draw of 32 teams in total, scheduled for Thursday at 17:00 in Nyon, Switzerland.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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