Europa League Final – Porto versus Braga: First half review
The Europa League final kicked off in Dublin at Aviva Arena between Porto and Braga as both the Portuguese club’s looked to become the Europa League champions for the first time in their history. Porto led by their young manager
Andre Villas-Boas put out an offensive minded team which had http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Helton-c16018 in goal.
In their back line, Porto benefitted the presence of Sapunaru, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-c13609 provided Porto’s back four with cover whilst Joao Moutinho acted as Andre Villas-Boas’ team’s
main playmaker.
Porto’s attack was spearheaded by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Defence-c38904. On the other hand,
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Miguel-Garcia-c25555, Paulao, Rodriguez and Silvio made up Braga’s defensive line.
Braga started the match as underdogs due to their conservative formation as in the central midfield department, Custodio, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paulo-c29431 Cesar was deployed
as Braga’s solitary striker on the night. The match began at a pedestrian pace as both the teams were anxious at the start. Porto were more confident on the ball whereas Braga were happy to defend deep against the pace of Falcao and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hulk-c16436.
In the 7th minute of the match, Porto had their first http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Real-c30728 goal scoring opportunity of the night as Hulk found himself in space inside the Braga penalty area. The Brazilian forward blitzed past Silvio before firing off
a shot at Braga’s goal. However luckily enough for the minnows, Hulk’s shot just missed the far post by mere inches as the score line remained at nil all in Dublin. Porto went onto build on their confident start but it wasn’t till the latter stages of the
match until Falcao headed his team in front.
Right before the half time whistle, Porto struck first blood as Perreira whipped in a glorious cross towards Falcao. The Colombian striker made no mistake with his powerful header as the ball sailed past Artur into the top right
hand corner of Braga’s goal.
The first half eventually came to an end with Porto in lead thanks to Falcao’s goal. Braga offered little in attack but they were caught out at the back at the end due to an accurate cross by Perreira from the right back position.
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